Pink E Rickshaws Boost Pune Transport

the state government has launched a dedicated fleet of pink electric rickshaws to serve as feeder services for the Pune Metro, airport, and other key public transit locations.

The initiative aims to improve last-mile connectivity while offering dignified livelihood opportunities to women across Maharashtra.The first phase of the ambitious programme will see 10,000 pink e-rickshaws rolled out in eight cities, including Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Amravati, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, and Solapur. Pune district alone is set to receive 4,000 of these battery-powered vehicles, with the initial batch already handed over to women drivers from the region.The state has crafted a robust financial model to ensure accessibility. Women participants in the scheme receive a direct subsidy of ₹1 lakh—₹25,000 from central funds and ₹75,000 from the state government—while the remaining cost is covered through bank financing. The structured backing ensures minimal financial burden on the women drivers while promoting sustainable transport infrastructure.

The initiative is designed not only as a clean mobility solution but also as a significant step towards inclusive urban planning. These e-rickshaws are set to become vital connectors between metro stations and neighbourhoods, enhancing access for daily commuters, students, and tourists alike. As the vehicles are driven exclusively by women, the move also focuses on increasing safety and confidence for women passengers—particularly during late hours or isolated transit segments.Pune is also preparing the backend infrastructure to support the electric fleet. Over 1,000 EV charging stations are planned across the city to ensure seamless operation. In addition, the state intends to formalise partnerships with private mobility platforms, integrating these rickshaws into ride-hailing apps and creating safer, tech-enabled, last-mile options for urban travel.

Training modules covering driving, customer service, and basic vehicle maintenance have been rolled out, and there’s a proposal to incorporate first-aid training to ensure holistic preparedness. Educational institutions and private schools are also being encouraged to explore these e-rickshaws as a safe and eco-friendly mode of student transportation.What sets this initiative apart is its two-fold approach—green transportation combined with gender-sensitive urban mobility. At a time when cities are grappling with rising pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate public transport coverage, the pink e-rickshaw programme presents a fresh template for integrating social equity into transport planning.As Pune takes this progressive step, it reflects a larger vision for Indian cities—where inclusive growth, environmental responsibility, and women’s empowerment are not separate goals but interconnected priorities.

Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/pune-takes-control-of-road-repair-supplies/

Pink E Rickshaws Boost Pune Transport