A rickshaw van (Bengali: রিকশা ভ্যান) or van-gari (Bengali: ভ্যান গাড়ি) is a three-wheeled bicycle with a large wooden platform on the back part, used primarily to transport people and goods.[1][2] It is a common mode of transportation in Bangladesh and India, popular because of its cheap price.[3] Furthermore, it does not require fossil fuels or cause air pollution.[4]
The wooden platform is approximately four foot square.[2] Sometimes, steel is used in the platform for durability.[3] It can carry up to approximately 330 kg loads or seven people.[4] Sometimes, it is used as an ambulance.[4] It can be also used as a mobile cart to sell goods particularly among those of lower income groups.[5][6]
One or more chains are used to connect the pedal with the back two wheels.[3] The work can be very strenuous.[4] However, some of the vehicles are battery-operated.[3][7][8] This enables physically challenged individuals to be van-gari drivers.[3]
References
edit- ^ Powell, DK (2022). The Pukur. Histria Books. p. 415. ISBN 978-1-59211-223-4. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b Flatt, J.H. (2013). In Love with Bangladesh: The Heart of a Missionary. WestBow Press. p. 170. ISBN 978-1-4908-1947-1. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b c d e "ভ্যান". Local Guides Connect. 2022-04-12. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b c d Sahu, Subhashis; Maity, Santi Gopal; Moitra, Subhabrata; Sett, Moumita; Haldar, Prasun (2013). "Cardiovascular Load During Summer Work of Two Age Groups of Van-Rickshaw Pullers in West Bengal, India". International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 19 (4). Informa UK Limited: 657–665. doi:10.1080/10803548.2013.11077019. ISSN 1080-3548.
- ^ Rashid, S.F. (2024). Poverty, Gender and Health in the Slums of Bangladesh: Children of Crows. Routledge Research on Gender in Asia Series. Taylor & Francis. p. 65. ISBN 978-1-04-001842-2. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Jui, Ummay Marzan (2020-05-08). "Van-gari wallahs: The rise of an unforeseen hero". The Business Standard. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ করেসপন্ডেন্ট, ডিস্ট্রিক্ট (2023-09-18). "১৪ জন ভিক্ষুকের মাঝে ব্যাটারিচালিত ভ্যান বিতরণ". banglanews24.com. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "ঠাকুরগাঁওয়ে ভিক্ষুকদের মাঝে ভ্যান গাড়ি ও অর্থ বিতরণ". alokitobangladesh (in Bengali). 2023-09-04. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
