The world of local transportation is rapidly changing. In India, where affordability, capacity, and fuel efficiency matter the most, the new Bajaj 12-Seater Rickshaw is making heads turn. With more seating space, better earnings potential, and a strong road presence, this new vehicle is not just a rickshaw — it’s the future of last-mile and city commuting.
Whether you’re a daily passenger looking for a more comfortable ride or a driver hoping to increase your daily income, this new rickshaw offers a smart solution. Bajaj has taken a big step forward, and it seems they have struck gold.
Let’s explore why this 12-seater is being seen as a game-changer in India’s local transport industry.
Design & Style
The Bajaj rickshaw is not your average three-wheeler. It’s been designed with a bigger and bolder look. The rickshaw now looks more like a mini-van but still keeps that compact charm Bajaj is known for.
It has a wider body, larger doors, and strong metal framing, which make it safer and more spacious. The front end has a modern look with LED indicators and sharp headlamps. The rear section is long enough to seat up to 12 people including the driver, making it ideal for rural areas, city outskirts, and small towns.
It is available in simple colors like black, green, yellow, and white — commonly seen in Indian public transport. There’s also enough roof space to install a carrier for luggage or school bags.
Engine & Performance
The rickshaw comes with a powerful yet efficient 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine, which is either CNG or petrol based. Depending on the model and location, a diesel option may also be available.
The engine may not be very fast (which is good for safety), but it offers enough torque to carry 12 passengers without a problem. The maximum speed is around 55-60 kmph, which is ideal for inner-city travel and small highways.
The engine is tuned for better pickup, even when it is fully loaded. It doesn’t struggle much on flyovers or slight inclines, which is great for daily driving.
Ride & Handling
One of the main concerns with bigger rickshaws is stability, especially on sharp turns or bumpy roads. But Bajaj has focused on improving suspension and ground clearance.
This 12-seater has heavy-duty shock absorbers, thicker tyres, and a wider base, which gives it good balance. Even with full capacity, the ride stays smooth enough for daily use. Drivers will find the steering light and easy, even in narrow lanes or traffic.
Braking is also upgraded with drum brakes on all wheels, and future versions may include disc brakes or ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for more safety.
Features & Tech
Even though it’s a commercial vehicle, Bajaj has added some small but useful features.
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Digital Meter for tracking distance and fare.
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Charging ports for drivers to charge their mobile phones.
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GPS tracker (optional).
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Roof fan or air vents for better air circulation.
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Better dashboard layout with clear indicators.
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Strong steel roof and side rails for extra safety.
There’s no luxury here, but all the features serve a purpose. It’s basic, but smartly built for the Indian market.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 12 (including driver) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG / Diesel (varies) |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke Single Cylinder |
| Max Speed | 55-60 kmph |
| Mileage (CNG) | Approx. 25-30 km/kg |
| Suspension | Heavy-duty shock absorbers |
| Brakes | Drum (All Wheels) |
| Additional Features | GPS, Phone Charger, Roof Fan |
| Ideal Use | City & Rural Transport |
| Starting Price (approx) | ₹3.5 – ₹4.2 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
The 12-seater may look bigger, but it’s still light on the pocket when it comes to fuel. If you choose the CNG version, you can expect a mileage of 25 to 30 km/kg, which is very economical for a commercial vehicle.
The petrol version may give around 20 to 22 kmpl, and diesel models may provide up to 25 kmpl. With rising fuel costs, CNG is likely the most popular choice for city users.
This fuel efficiency means higher profits for drivers, especially in high-demand routes like school pick-ups, office shuttles, or market areas.
Price & Variants
Bajaj is known for keeping its vehicles affordable. The base model of the 12-seater rickshaw is expected to be priced around ₹3.5 lakh (ex-showroom), while more equipped versions can go up to ₹4.2 lakh.
There might be 3-4 variants based on:
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Fuel type (CNG, Petrol, Diesel)
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Seating material (cloth or vinyl)
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GPS and tech add-ons
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Luggage carrier on the roof
Financing options and EMI plans will also be available for drivers or fleet owners.