Invention, and more importantly innovation, of three-wheelers always intrigue me. For example, auto-rickshaw. Who was the visionary to have thought of this revolutionary transport system in the third world countries (incidentally, developed nations nowadays also use this mode of public transport)? Millions of commuters across the world are hardly bothered about the origin of it but are obviously surprised to notice its change over the years.
Auto-rickshaws that i was used to ride since childhood can hardly be seen now on Kolkata roads. With its kata-tel (a proportionate toxic mix of diesel and kerosene)-guzzling engines, these blue and white tiny little things were over-zealous to overtake any vehicle that came into their way. Since old habits die hard, the drivers of LPG-run green-yellow autos here also try to zoom past everything.
In Bangladesh's Kushtia, i found during my recent visit, the traffic scenario is no better with vehicles snaking their way through the main thoroughfares. Amid all the hullabaloo, suddenly you might see a Tuk Tuk tries to get past your Toyota sedan. Tuk Tuks are very convenient way of commuting in any Bangladesh towns, generally densely populated in a little space. These Tuk Tuks are usually battery-driven and carry five persons, excluding the driver, and surprisingly all these come from China. In fact, Tuk Tuks are colourfully decorated with enough space for ventillation unlike our autos. One won't feel suffocated but will enjoy the ride even if you are waiting at the signal or the railway level crossing.
On our way to Silaidaha, where Tagores had zamindari, we stepped onto Korimon after crossing the Garai on foot. Now what's that? It was not a new thing to me, as this motor-driven cycle-vanrickshaw is a common sight in this side of the fence, too. But the name is interesting: Korimon. What does it mean? I have never figured out though i asked several people there also. And, Google can't lead me to a page on Korimon to say whether i am lucky!
If Korimon was not enough, a motorised cycle-vanrickshaw surfaces with a customised shed on it to protect people from sun and rains. I asked our van driver, "What will you call that?" "Nosimon". What a sweet name that was! A three-wheeler that runs on diesel with engines of motorcycles smuggled with makeshift shed for passengers and an unforgettable name — isn't it itself interesting to an urban youth like me? While i was crossing the Benapole border near Bongaon, and boarded an auto-rickshaw, my mind was still stuck in the sheds of Nosimon! Wish i could ride such a Nosimon everyday!
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