Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will give pink electric auto-rickshaws to 60 women drivers on April 21, 2023. The program will take place at Balgandharva Rangmandir in Pune city. These special rickshaws are colored pink to show they’re driven by women.
These e-rickshaws are good for the environment as they don’t cause pollution. They’re cheaper to run than normal rickshaws and can travel 120 kilometers after one full charge. The women drivers can save a lot of money on daily fuel costs.
The selected women will learn how to drive and take care of their e-rickshaws in a 45-day training program. PMC has set up 15 charging points in different parts of Pune where these women can charge their vehicles easily.
The women don’t have to pay the full price of the rickshaw. PMC will give 35% of the cost, and banks will give loans at low interest rates. The women can pay the remaining money in small monthly payments over three years.
These e-rickshaws are very safe. They’ve GPS tracking, emergency buttons, and digital meters to show the correct fare. Each woman driver can earn about ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 every month from this work.
To become a driver, women need to have a driving license and know basic computer skills. The PMC is working with women’s groups to find good drivers. This program will help women earn money and also keep Pune’s air clean. Many other cities might also start similar programs after seeing Pune’s success.
The initiative is part of Pune’s local news highlights showcasing the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
