Pune Metro Introduces Rikshamitra Feeder Service At SNDT Station
Pune Metro Introduces Rikshamitra Feeder Service At SNDT Station
Pune, March 14, 2026: A new “Rikshamitra Metro Share Rickshaw Feeder Service” was launched at the SNDT Metro Station to improve last-mile connectivity for metro commuters in Pune. The initiative aims to provide passengers with an affordable and convenient transport option from the metro station to their final destinations.
The service booth was inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil in the presence of several dignitaries, including Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Managing Director of Maha Metro Shravan Hardikar, and Director (MMI) Anilkumar Kokate. Labour leader Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar and several former and current corporators, along with a large number of auto-rickshaw and cab drivers, were also present.
Following the formal inauguration, Minister Patil flagged off the first batch of rickshaws, officially launching the feeder service. He also assured that drivers operating from the booth would be provided **CNG coupons** to support their operations.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Nagpure expressed hope that similar metro feeder rickshaw services would be introduced at all metro stations across the city. She particularly stressed the need for such connectivity for commuters in the Sinhagad Road area.
During the event, local representatives also urged authorities to include important locations from their respective wards as official drop points under the shared rickshaw service.
The launch follows the success of the “Rikshamitra” booth earlier started at Pune Railway Station, which received a positive response from commuters. Encouraged by that response, authorities decided to expand the concept to metro stations.
According to officials, the feeder service will provide safe, reliable, and organised auto-rickshaw transport for metro passengers while also creating regular employment opportunities for drivers. The initiative is expected to make commuting easier by bridging the gap between metro stations and residential neighbourhoods.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Patil said the government, under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis, is focused on strengthening public transport systems and expanding environmentally friendly metro networks in major cities. He urged citizens to increasingly use public transport instead of private vehicles.
Officials from Maha Metro also highlighted that while metro rail improves urban mobility, last-mile connectivity remains crucial. They noted that auto-rickshaws are the most practical option to connect residential areas to metro stations, making the new feeder service a significant step toward improving urban transport integration.
