The Maharashtra government is set to expand its Mahila (Pink) E-Rickshaw Scheme across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), aiming to improve last-mile connectivity for commuters while creating self-employment opportunities for women.
To ensure smooth implementation, State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed the Transport Department and traffic police to identify dedicated routes where the low-speed electric rickshaws can operate without adding to congestion.
Instead of plying on highways, arterial roads or busy traffic junctions, the pink e-rickshaws will run mainly on internal roads, feeder routes and local connectivity corridors. These routes are expected to link residential neighbourhoods with railway stations, Metro stations and bus depots, making daily commuting easier.
Officials have been asked to map suitable routes across Mumbai's suburbs, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Vasai-Virar and Kalyan-Dombivli.
In a major boost for women entrepreneurs, the state has proposed increasing the subsidy under the scheme from 20% to 40% of the vehicle's cost.
Under the revised guidelines, beneficiaries will contribute the remaining 60%, with a minimum 10% coming from their own funds. The balance can be financed through a bank loan or an interest-free deferred payment facility offered by the vehicle supplier.
Women who have already purchased e-rickshaws under the scheme will also be eligible for the enhanced subsidy.
The scheme, which was initially introduced in eight districts, will now be expanded across Maharashtra, allowing more women to benefit from the initiative.
The scheme offers more than financial support. Eligible beneficiaries will also receive:
These measures are aimed at helping women become financially independent through self-employment.
Each pink e-rickshaw will be equipped with a GPS-enabled tracking system to improve passenger safety and enable better monitoring.
The Transport Department has also been asked to work with manufacturers to enhance battery technology, vehicle performance and operational efficiency. The e-rickshaws are expected to offer a driving range of approximately 120 kilometres on a single charge, making them suitable for frequent short-distance trips.
The government is yet to announce fare details for passengers.
The scheme gives preference to women from economically weaker sections, widows, divorced women and women from marginalised communities, with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The directions were issued during a review meeting at Mantralaya attended by Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, and senior officials from the Transport Department, the Women and Child Development Department and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
The Maharashtra Cabinet has also authorised the Women and Child Development Minister to revise district-wise beneficiary targets and make operational changes during implementation to ensure the scheme is executed efficiently.
By combining women's economic empowerment with sustainable urban mobility, the Mahila E-Rickshaw Scheme is expected to strengthen last-mile connectivity while encouraging the adoption of clean-energy transport across Maharashtra.