Nagpur’s urban transport ecosystem received a major boost this week with the expansion of shared autorickshaw services to three additional metro stations — Indora Chowk, Gaddigodam Chowk, and Zero Mile Freedom Park. With this move, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has brought the total number of stations with operational shared auto services to 24, advancing its mission of building an integrated and commuter-friendly mobility network.
The shared mobility initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen first and last mile connectivity — a known challenge in Indian public transport — and improve the ease of access to metro corridors. According to MahaMetro officials, earlier deployments of shared autorickshaws have led to a marked improvement in daily footfall, with ridership increasing by 8–10 percent within the first few months at participating stations. Recent figures from Nagpur Metro indicate growing commuter adoption. The network recorded an average daily ridership of 99,448 last week, peaking at over 1.04 lakh on weekdays — a figure attributed in part to feeder services such as shared autos, e-rickshaws, and e-autos. These options have helped bridge critical connectivity gaps, enabling passengers to conveniently complete their journeys between metro stations and surrounding residential, commercial, and institutional areas.
Officials noted that refinements based on commuter feedback have been integral to the initiative’s success. Adjustments such as optimising pickup points, reworking feeder routes, and streamlining schedules have significantly cut waiting times and improved coverage. For many commuters — especially students and office-goers — the shared auto service has proved to be a reliable and affordable alternative to private transport. “Our goal is to make every metro trip seamless — from doorstep to destination. Shared auto services are playing a vital role in delivering that,” said a senior MahaMetro official, emphasising the eco-friendly and inclusive nature of the initiative.
Despite the progress, the network is still facing challenges in a few locations. Areas such as Khapri and Airport stations remain underserved, primarily due to the lack of a structured shared mobility system and limited public transport options nearby. MahaMetro has acknowledged these gaps and is working towards addressing them in a phased manner over the next year, with collaboration from city transport bodies. The integration of shared autos into the city’s transit infrastructure aligns with larger goals of reducing urban congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and ensuring equitable access to public transport. As Nagpur continues to grow, both spatially and economically, creating a sustainable, connected, and user-friendly public transport system will be vital to its long-term urban resilience.
MahaMetro’s approach to enhancing last-mile connectivity through shared mobility offers a scalable template for other Indian cities grappling with similar transport challenges, and represents a step forward in achieving inclusive and climate-conscious urban mobility.
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