Pune News: Pink E-Rickshaws To Get Feeder Service Status At Metro Stations, Airports, and Tourist Spots: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Pune News: Pink E-Rickshaws To Get Feeder Service Status At Metro Stations, Airports, and Tourist Spots: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Pune, April 21: Given the encouraging response to Pink E-Rickshaws in the initial phase, the state government plans to launch the initiative in other cities as well. Pink E-Rickshaws will be granted feeder service status at metro stations, airports, and tourist destinations, assured Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of the district, Ajit Pawar.
He was speaking at the Pink E-Rickshaw Distribution Ceremony held at the Agriculture College campus in Shivajinagar. Present at the event were Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission Rupali Chakankar, MLA Bapusaheb Pathare, Commissioner of Women and Child Development Nayana Gunde, CEO of Zilla Parishad Gajanan Patil, Kinetic Green Chairman Sudhanshu Agrawal, Ritesh Mantri, and others.
Ajit Pawar stated that the Women and Child Development Department has set a target of distributing 10,000 Pink E-Rickshaws in the first phase, covering eight cities: Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Amravati, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, and Solapur. The Pink E-Rickshaw scheme is aimed at empowering women economically and making them self-reliant. It will generate employment opportunities for women, enhance their self-confidence, and strengthen their societal standing. Under this scheme, a subsidy of ₹25,000 from the central government and ₹75,000 from the state government is provided. Additionally, 70% of the cost is financed through various banks as loans.
The state government is committed to ensuring women’s safety, and the Pink E-Rickshaw initiative is a crucial step in this direction. Pawar encouraged female drivers not only to drive safely but also to care for other women in society. He expressed confidence that women driving these rickshaws would serve as role models for others.
The Deputy CM also emphasized that both the central and state governments are implementing various programs for women’s empowerment and child development. He confirmed that the “Laadki Behna Yojana,” which provides a monthly honorarium of ₹1,500 to women, will continue in the future as well.
Minister Aditi Tatkare stated that the department aims to distribute 10,000 Pink E-Rickshaws in the first phase, with a target of 4,000 for Pune district. Of these, 60 rickshaws have already been distributed to women — 38 in Pune Municipal Corporation and 22 in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. These women have also received training.
Plans are underway to set up over 1,000 EV charging stations in Pune. Pink E-Rickshaw services will be made available at metro stations, airports, industrial zones, and tourist destinations. The department is also in talks with ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber for partnerships. This initiative is expected to provide safe travel options and employment for women.
Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe said women are showcasing their skills across various fields and receiving recognition for their work. She appreciated the progressive initiatives by the state for women’s economic empowerment. The Pink E-Rickshaw scheme not only boosts women’s income but also ensures their safety. She urged women to make the most of this opportunity and suggested that these e-rickshaws could also be used for transporting school children. Additionally, she recommended that first aid training be included in the training sessions provided under the scheme.
The event was attended by officials and staff from the Women and Child Development Department, municipal corporations, and beneficiary women.
