Vehicle break down? Meet this mobile mechanic in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Have you ever been stuck in the middle of the road, thanks to a car break down? Those are the times you have wished you could just dial a number and have a mechanic arrive at the spot to help you, right? Making this wish come true is 31-year-old mechanic in Bengaluru, R Nagaraj.

One fine day in 2007, Nagaraj, a resident of Chamrajpet, decided to convert the van he had into a mobile puncture-repair shop. While Bengalureans welcomed the initiative, Nagaraj said, "With the increase in petrol prices, managing the van proved to be expensive. A year-and-a-half ago, I decided to get rid of the van and chose a two-wheeler."

Nagaraj modified the two-wheeler by attaching two other tyres on either side so he could carry all his equipment. He caters to areas such as Chamrajpet, Bull Temple Road, KG Nagar, Gandhi Bazaar and Shankar Mutt. And he receives at least 30-40 calls a day.

"It's impossible to help each of them, but I try as much," said Nagaraj. However, he is unable expand this business model of his. "The labour costs are very high and I have to feed a large family of 18 members," he said.

Nagaraj earns anywhere between Rs 1000 and Rs 2000 a day. Back home, he is still struggling to make ends meet, but he enjoys living a life helping those stranded on the road. "Several people have appreciated this effort of mine. So many have thanked me profusely as they heave a sigh of relief when I get their vehicle up and running," Nagaraj said, with that trademark smile that spelt 'satisfaction'.

Here's hoping that the wheel of fortune would turn things around for him as he tirelessly fixes the tyres. 

• Bengaluru
• R Nagaraj
• puncture
• mobile mechanic