The Maharashtra government is set to roll out the ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ Scheme in Pune in a move to enhance women’s safety and boost employment opportunities. As part of the initiative, 1,400 woman-driven autorickshaws will be deployed within the next two to three months, an IE report quoted the Pune Road Transport Office (RTO) as saying.
Deputy RTO of Pune Swapnil Bhosle explained that women drivers interested in joining the scheme will need to bear only 10% of the vehicle’s cost. The state government will cover 20% of the expense, while the remaining 70% will be financed through a government-facilitated loan, repayable over five years.
Eligible women must reside in Pune, be between 18 and 35 years old, possess a valid driving license, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹3 lakh, Bhosle added.
The scheme, launched in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), is expected to create job opportunities for women across Maharashtra. In its first phase, 10,000 e-rickshaws will operate across 17 cities in the state, the report stated.
A committee led by the District Collector will oversee the program, while the WCD Commissioner of Pune will act as the controlling officer. In cases where applications exceed the quota, a lottery system will ensure transparency in selecting beneficiaries.