New Delhi: At least 1,000 solar rickshaws will be deployed to ferry over 7,000 athletes and their delegates during the Commonwealth Games this year.

A joint project between Delhi government and the central government-run Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), these zero carbon vehicles will help players commute inside the Games villages and reach sporting venues from Metro stations.

"It’s a unique initiative, where both innovation and concern for environment will be on display," a senior scientist at CSIR Rajesh Kumar said, reports IANS.

"We hope the initiative will be a huge hit among athletes from across the globe. The fleet of 1,000 solar rickshaws will reduce the carbon foot print and provide hassle free travel to our guest sportsmen," Kumar said.

These rickshaws are the greenest transport vehicles and help the cause of Green Games as promised by the Delhi government. These are optimally designed, pedal operated, motor assisted green pedicabs which draw their power from overhead solar panels.

Over 7,000 players and delegates from over 70 countries will reach Delhi to be a part of the Commonwealth Games October 3-14 in the national capital.

These vehicles were developed by CSIR's Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute based in Durgapur.

Kumar said he and his team are working hard to popularise the vehicle and set to hold a rally in its favour.

"We are going to hold a rally of at least 50 solar rickshaws in Delhi to create awareness among people about the vehicle that reduces human drudgery and improves environment."