To upgrade the waste management system in the town, Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) has introduced two electric vehicles that can collect waste in an environmentally friendly way.

The vehicles, named ‘Prokitir Gari’ (car of nature), were handed over to NCC Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy by the manufacturing company on Tuesday afternoon.

Trajectory Technology, a startup founded by a group of university students, manufactured the vehicles under ‘Startup Bangladesh’ programme, an initiative of the ICT Division.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, mayor Ivy said “the vehicles will reduce the suffering drivers have to go through in collecting waste.”

“We have prioritised buying the vehicles as they have been locally manufactured using local technology. If the results prove to be good, we are open to buying more vehicles,” she added.

A ‘Prokritir Gari’ has the capacity to run a maximum of 35 kms per hour with the help of its 60-volt battery. It can enter narrow roads and collect waste in an environmentally friendly way. Its wheels come with a hydraulic brake system. Drivers will feel comfortable to drive the vehicle as various modern features have been incorporated into it, according to officials.

One vehicle can collect up to 800kg waste at a time. While carrying waste, its body will be covered automatically, preventing stench from spreading.

Dr Md Khalilur Rahman, associate professor of Brac University and team leader of Trajectory Technology, said city dwellers will need to use  special calling bell to avail the vehicles’ service.

A device installed in the calling bell will make it ring automatically whenever one of the vehicles are nearby.

“Apart from this, the vehicles’ location can be traced using an Internet of Things (IoT)-based app. City dwellers can use the app to send notifications to the vehicle. Signals for handing over waste can be sent by using the app or with calling the bells.  The app will be available in the Google Play Store soon,” he added.