Bajaj Auto’s Qute may finally debut in India following a draft notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which has approved the quadricycle as a vehicle category.

If things go according to plan, the 216cc Qute could hit the roads by this fiscal-end after a wait of over five years since it was first showcased as the RE60 at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The next step would be for the quadricycle to undergo testing by the Automotive Research Association of India for its roadworthiness as is the norm for all vehicles.

The Qute’s entry has been delayed for years now owing to a slew of public interest litigations filed in various high courts objecting to its use on roads. The Supreme Court then stepped in to hear the matter while staying all the objections filed in the other courts.

That the Ministry of Road Transport has issued a draft notification now means that virtually all decks have been cleared for the Qute though there will still be a 30-day window for objections and suggestions.

New era of mobility After this interval, the stage will be set for a final notification and a new era in mobility.

According to industry sources, the draft notification indicates that the Ministry is now clear about its intent to go ahead with quadricycles as a mode of transport. This could even prompt other companies to throw their hats into the ring. At one point in time, Piaggio was interested in this product category and, more lately, reports have been doing the rounds that Mahindra & Mahindra is also considering the possibility.

Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, told BusinessLine that “vested interests have delayed a far superior alternative to three-wheelers”. From his point of view, the Qute is much better when it comes to safety, emissions, comfort and mileage. “We have done something innovative which is a shining example of Make in India,” he said.

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