Visakhapatnam: The ubiquitous sight of bullocks pulling wooden carts with heavy loads in Indian villages is set to change. The beasts of burden can now pull lighter carts made of steel.

Designed by the Institute for National Steel Development and Growth (Insdag) in Kolkata and manufactured by the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, the steel cart weighs 280 kg, compared to 550 kg for a wooden cart that can carry the same load.

"The steel cart is the first of its kind designed and produced indigenously at our plant using structural steel. Unlike its wooden counterpart, the two wheels are fitted with rollers and bearings to eliminate friction and ensure free movement," VSP deputy chief engineer Abidulla Baig told IANS.

The steel cart was displayed at the Bharat Expo fair held here as part of the 95th Indian Science Congress.

The cart can carry up to two tonnes. The yoke is made of a light steel rod that distributes the weight between the two animals evenly. An average wooden cart can carry 900 kg or 10 people.

"Another good feature of the steel cart is the provision of a string brake to stop the wheels in place of reins that are tied to the animal's neck in wooden cart and pulled inhumanly to halt them," Baig said.

The steel cart can last up to 20 years without wear and tear, while a wooden cart usually has a five-year life.

The steel version costs Rs.15,000, compared to Rs.10,000 for a wooden cart. But the steel cart is estimated to generate a net income of around Rs.35,000 per year as against Rs.15,000 by the wooden type.

"We are creating awareness in surrounding villages by distributing 125 steel carts to farmers using worn-out wooden carts. They are relieved that our carts are economical and enduring. The carts are given a special coating of paint to prevent rusting or fading," Baid added. IANS