By Kavita Mistry 
For Indian vehicle buyers, mileage is often the ultimate deciding factor. Now, a revolutionary innovation promises to rewrite the rules. Shailendra Shingh Gaur, an alumnus of Allahabad University, has reportedly developed a six-stroke engine capable of running 176 kilometres on a single litre of petrol — a milestone that could transform the automotive landscape.
The Man Behind the Invention
Gaur graduated with a BSc in 1983 and even received a job offer from Tata Motors in 2007, which he declined to continue his research. He worked in the mechanical engineering lab at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) under Professor Anuj Jain and later at IIT-BHU, gaining crucial experience in engine technology.
Driven by passion, Gaur sold his land, shop, and house to fund his research and converted his rented home into a workshop. His efforts culminated in a six-stroke engine that powers a 2017-model 100cc TVS bike, which ran for 35 minutes on just 50 ml of petrol, achieving 176 kmpl.
More Efficient, Less Polluting
According to Gaur, the engine uses about 70% of the fuel’s energy — compared to around 30% in conventional engines — making it three times more efficient. He demonstrated the technology on a TV show, where the modified bike covered 120 km with one litre of fuel.
Gaur claims the engine can be fitted into any fuel-powered vehicle, significantly reducing fuel consumption and pollution. With two patents already granted, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of ultra-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles in India and beyond.
If commercialised, Gaur’s breakthrough could not only revolutionise vehicle design but also dramatically cut fuel costs and emissions — a development that aligns perfectly with India’s sustainability goals.