Mangaluru: Who says customisation is only for cars? In Uppala, Kerala, autorickshaws are getting everything from power windows and central locking to TVs and refrigerators — with customers travelling from across south India and even Nigeria seeking the makeover.About 29km from Mangaluru, Deeraj Auto Works has carved out a niche in autorickshaw customisation, drawing customers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep. The workshop has even received enquiries from Nigeria.Founded in 1991 by Ashok Deeraj, 64, a Chennai native who settled in Uppala about 47 years ago, the venture grew from a small furniture and fabrication unit into a specialised vehicle-customisation workshop. Long before social media became a marketing tool, Ashok built a reputation through word of mouth across Kasaragod, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. His work is now visible on several autorickshaws plying in Mangaluru.Ashok’s foray into vehicle modification began after he bought an autorickshaw and redesigned it with his own ideas. The vehicle drew attention and soon brought requests from others wanting similar work. He also helped an automobile manufacturer adapt a vehicle chassis to suit regional requirements.His early experience making steel almirahs and furniture gave him the metal-fabrication and welding skills needed to move into automotive bodywork. The workshop now undertakes body alterations, storage compartments, customised seats, stickers and lettering. More elaborate projects can include power windows, central locking, televisions and refrigerators, taking the bill to as much as Rs 2.5 lakh.Adapting features designed for premium cars to three-wheelers has been among the biggest challenges, Ashok said. The workshop has developed remote-operated locks, power windows and specially designed toughened-glass fittings, while keeping passenger safety in focus.Ashok, who studied up to Class 8, credits constant learning and experimentation on the job for his success. But he is equally quick to point out the legal limits on such work.“We warn customers about the legal issues involved in different modifications. Some still insist on getting them done. Legally, autorickshaws cannot be extensively modified,” he said.Mangaluru City DCP (Crime and Traffic) K Ravi Shankar said alterations to an autorickshaw’s body are prohibited, while additions such as fog lamps are also illegal. RTO officials said autorickshaws must remain in the condition approved and supplied by the manufacturer or dealer.For customers, though, the urge to personalise remains strong. Praveen, from Shivapura in Hebri, who plays instruments during Daiva chakri rituals, recently bought an autorickshaw and spent about Rs 2 lakh customising it. Fitted with toughened glass and other features, the vehicle has since become a local talking point.On Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep, Barkathulla M N spent around Rs 1 lakh modifying his autorickshaw before having it transported home by barge. He said several islanders had used Ashok’s services and were impressed by the quality of the work.
