Jayendra Rathod

Atul Auto Ltd.

Today, when you see or travel by the convenient 'chhakada'​ you rarely realize who invented this amazing people-friendly transportation vehicle. Well, Back in the 1970's, when transportation was a crucial problem especially in rural areas, he decided to blaze a new trail. He was thinking of an affordable mode of transportation which can benefit rural folks of Saurashtra. The road conditions were not good but the need for transportation was increasing day in and day out. After thorough research and planning, he came up with a vehicle which was skillfully engineered from a motorcycle. And this is how the first 'chhakada'​ was developed which later became a way of life for the people of Saurashtra. The improvements in technologies were done from time to time to make it a sturdy and comfortable vehicle. And like father like son, Mr. Jayantibhai Chandra also joined this mission. He took his illustrious father's vision further. He introduced diesel ‘chhakada' with many new features, and soon 150,000 'chhakadas'​ were rolling all over Saurashtra making it easy for passengers. Our passion did not end with success of 'chhakada'​. The Group's main focus was now to engineer similar product for semi-urban and urban areas. Soon, 'Shakti'​ was on the road which proved to be a runaway success and other vehicles like Half Tonner, Commercial 3-wheeler and more were also introduced under the brand name of shakti.