Tukaram Verma, a mechanic by profession, has invented an automatic engine stopper, which will switch off cars at traffic lights.

Tukaram noticed that people while waiting at traffic lights keep their engines running, thereby wasting fuel and money.

That is when he thought of coming up with an innovation that would put an end to the wastage.

The innovation is basically a small instrument fitted with a timer that is set to a time.

If the vehicle is on for a period more than the specified time then the engine will automatically switch off.

"I made this simple tool that indicates whether or not the bike is in neutral gear. If the bike is in neutral and the ignition is kept running for more than 25-30 seconds then the engine stops running," said Tukaram.

Hard fought battle

It has not been a smooth ride for Tukaram. From lack of education to lack of funds, he has grappled with it all.

He has so far invested Rs 80,000 to make his automatic engine stopper work. But for the innovator from Chattisgarh, the struggle is far from over.

The biggest challenge now is to market the innovation. So far Tukaram has not got any response from the few auto companies that he has contacted. He is also worried that his idea may get copied and duplicated.

Despite the trials and the troubles there has been good news too. Tukaram's innovation has been successfully tested at the Rugta Engineering College in Bhilai.

His efforts have been honoured by the National Innovation Foundation and won him a cash prize of more than Rs 50,000.

The engine stopper costs only Rs 175 - a small price for an indigenous innovation that might help save precious fuel.

Tukaram's engine stopper can be used for two wheelers, cars and other heavy vehicles too.

For an innovator who's mind is always at work, Tukaram has only one dream - to see every vehicle in the country fitted with his engine stopper.