KASARGOD: Irfan brought an end to his grief over not getting admission for automobile diploma in Polytechnic by making a vehicle at his house. The 17-year-old boy from Kasargod is now busy riding the car, which he made all by himself.
The buggy car, which can carry four people, was made at an expense of Rs 16,000 only. It will start on applying the kicker, can run at a speed of 60 kilometre per hour and has a mileage of 25 kilometres. Since it has not yet received registration, outside rides are not possible.
Four tires of Scooty, two seats of a Maruti 800 car, steering wheel of a Tata van, petrol tank and engine of a bike – that’s all what’s required for Irfan’s buggy.
Last year, Irfan tried to join for an automobile course after finishing his secondary education, but instead got admission for Commerce in Government Higher Secondary School, Kakkattu. Meanwhile, he gained some knowledge about vehicle manufacturing and planned to build small cars for children using pipes and motors. Irfan had assistance from his relatives and friend Isham. Thus, he got the idea of building a car for himself.
Irfan took an old bike’s engine, shock absorber, meter and a silencer. He went to a shop in Kozhikode and bought the parts of a wrecked vehicle. He arranged the machines for welding, cutting and drilling from his grandfather and did all the works. After five months of hard work, his buggy hit the road.
Irfan was able to gather a total of Rs 16,000 from his painting wage and with the help of his relatives. Now, he is attempting to build an electric car. If he gets a sponsor who can offer Rs 55,000, then his electric car will hit the road. Irfan has the complete support of his parents K C Kareem and K Sharifa.
“I have sought the help of YouTube to study. I have gone to workshops, along with my friends, to ask and learn about making vehicles, Irfan said.”