JANAKPUR: Until about a decade ago, cycle rickshaws were a common sight across Madhesh, serving as the primary mode of transport from one intersection to another. However, with the rise of e-rickshaws, they have largely been displaced. Today, cycle rickshaws are rarely seen even in major market areas such as Birgunj, Jaleshwar, Janakpurdham, and Gaur.

The shift has been so stark that no one from the younger generation has taken up the profession. It is now sustained almost entirely by the elderly. Operating a cycle rickshaw demands significant physical effort while offering relatively low daily earnings, making it unattractive to younger people. It is also slower compared to modern alternatives.

An exception is Ghanshyam Jha, a 74-year-old resident of Janakpurdham Sub Metropolitan City 4, who has been pedaling a rickshaw for 41 years. This has been his sole source of livelihood. Over the past decade, however, his income has declined. With age, the strength and stamina required for the work have diminished. As passengers shifted to e-rickshaws, Jha began using his rickshaw to transport gas cylinders instead.

Ghanshyam Jha

“I have no children to earn and support me in my old age, and I have no land. I manage two meals a day with the income from this rickshaw,” said Jha.

His daily routine begins with collecting gas cylinders from shops in the morning and delivering them to customers’ homes.

Recalling earlier days, Jha said fares once ranged from as low as Rs 0.50 to a maximum of Rs 100. Today, even the minimum fare for an e-rickshaw is around Rs 20. “Back then, we had to work from morning until afternoon just to earn Rs 20. Now, times have changed,” said Jha.

Ghanshyam Jha

He bought his rickshaw from Umgaon in India for Rs 800 and continues to operate the same one to this day. When he first started, there were around 3,000 cycle rickshaws in Janakpurdham. Dedicated stands existed at Shiva Chowk, Janak Chowk, Bhanu Chowk, Ram Chowk, and the bus park. Rickshaw drivers also had a strong union that played a notable role even in political movements, drawing interest from political parties during leadership selections.

“Now only a handful of us remain, with no skills beyond pedaling rickshaws and nowhere else to turn. If we leave this profession, the new generation will not even know about cycle rickshaws or the era they belonged to,” said Jha.

Ram Dinesh Raut

Similarly, Ram Dinesh Raut, 68, from Janakpurdham Sub Metropolitan City 12, Kuwa, has been operating a rickshaw for nearly 45 years. “Old rickshaws have almost disappeared now. Only one or two can be seen,” said Raut.

He is usually found near Janakpur Airport, where he uses his rickshaw mainly to take tourists around the city. “My children have their own homes. I support myself and my wife’s food and medicine by operating this rickshaw,” said Raut.

Ram Dinesh Raut

A decade ago, the streets of Janakpur were lined with colorful rickshaws, their decorated seats and jingling bells creating a lively scene. Today, with the pace of modernization, that charm has all but disappeared.