Any alternatives to hand-cart in transportation?

In the narrow by-lanes of Mumbai, one can see hand-carts being used to move many types of goods ranging from iron and steel rods to goods in cartons. These men pushing the hand-carts move by foot, in rains and heat, up and down slopes moving at very slow speeds, slower than a man's normal walking pace. 

Is there some way to replace this with some mechanization or make the hand-cart a lot more easier to maneuver and push? I think this is one area just waiting to improve.

What can be the transport alternatives to deliver cargo in narrow by-lanes? Would be interesting to hear thoughts on this.