Chennai assistant professor completes 7,530 km ride on electric bike
The Hindu
Baala Manikandan completes a record 7,530 km electric bike journey across 16 states in 19 days.
With nothing but open highways and the Raptee HV T30, an electric motorcycle, Baala Manikandan, an electric vehicle enthusiast and an assistant professor at Madras Christian College embarked on a special journey.
Driving through the country, he completed a 7,530 km journey, visiting 16 states in just 19 days, making this the longest ride and the highest average distance achieved on a production electric motorcycle. This has now been recognised by the Asia Book Of Records and the India Book Of Records.
After a prototype testing in 2024, Baala was so impressed with the tenacity of the Raptee HV T30 that he decided to go on an all-India tour with the vehicle. This became possible in 2025, and he embarked on this cross-country trip from December 23, 2025 to January 16, 2026 with breaks in between.
Starting his journey from Chennai, Baala had to face varying weather conditions, terrains and changing atmospheric conditions.
“Riding uphill was definitely more challenging compared to the rest of the journey. But on the downhill stretches, the motorcycle regenerated energy, which helped stabilise the ride and restore balance,” says Baala.
When asked how this journey came into being, Baala says, “This long ride wasn’t planned at all. I simply asked for the bike, and even until I reached Kolkata, I wasn’t certain I would continue further. But once I got there, the journey suddenly felt possible, and that’s when I decided to go ahead with it.”
BSF team of 36 arrives in Perambalur for election duty, ensuring security for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Two men were killed in an accidental encounter with a wild elephant in Nilgiris, prompting community protests and increased monitoring.
The first phase of the Mananchira-Vellimadukunnu road project in Kozhikode is now open, easing traffic congestion significantly.
BESCOM calls on Bengaluru RWAs to promote rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, boosting local installations.
Opposition leaders consider impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following protests over electoral roll issues.
Kerala's daily power consumption exceeds 100 million units for the first time this summer, driven by rising temperatures and imports.
CPI(M) calls for single-phase assembly polls in West Bengal and inclusion of all genuine voters in the electoral rolls.
A 70-year-old man died in Bagepalli after his car caught fire, likely due to a short circuit, trapping him inside.
Bengaluru realtor abducted and murdered near Anekal; investigation reveals contract killing linked to business rivalry.
India today manufactures almost every type of railway rolling stock — locomotives, coaches, wagons, metro cars and modern trainsets — in large numbers and at competitive cost. Over decades, the railway manufacturing ecosystem has matured through dedicated Production Units of Indian Railways, PSUs and a large vendor base. Yet, despite this capacity and experience, India remains largely absent from the global market for railway vehicles.
T.N. physiotherapists welcome salary hike, urging timely payments and benefits for improved home-based care and support services.
Eminent historian K.N. Panikkar, a defender of secular historiography, has passed away, leaving a profound academic legacy.
Protesters demand the arrest of a marriage hall owner for denying venue access to a Scheduled Caste family in Erode.