"A team of the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) multi-modal section recently went to Delhi for two days and held discussions with e-rickshaw service providers, like ETO Motors Pvt Ltd, which provide services at a few Metro stations in the capital. Talks are on, and e-auto services will start for Pune Metro as well," Hemant Sonawane, director of public relations for Maha Metro, told TOI on Friday.
There are just around 170 passenger e-rickshaws registered with Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) currently; likewise, there are just 37 passenger e-rickshaws registered with Pimpri Chinchwad RTO. "Around six years ago, RTO tried to bring in e-rickshaws for short-distance travel. However, protests from auto drivers followed, and they didn't get too popular. Therefore, there are very few takers for these rickshaws now," a Pune RTO official told TOI.
While Save Pune Traffic Movement founder Harshad Abhyankar believes introducing e-autos is a good idea, he cautioned, "However, it is an open secret that last-mile connectivity is going to be a problem for all Metro systems. The state and national leadership pushing for Metro systems countrywide should learn a lesson and improve basic bus-based systems first, before spending crores of taxpayers' money on building Metros that run at 15% capacity."
Maha Metro's Sonawane added that they are also in talks with auto unions in the city. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Baghtoy Rickshawala autorickshaw union, said, "There is a lack of proper infrastructure for autos near most Metro stations. Passengers have to go to different places and share-auto services become chaotic. Maha Metro needs to put up signboards of nearby areas from Metro stations, so that passengers and auto drivers can identify each other."
Last-mile connectivity remains a major problem for passengers. "Buses operate at half-hour intervals but are often delayed. One expects to get transportation immediately after leaving a Metro station, especially if they just have to go nearby. I think state govt and Maha Metro need to give serious thought to this aspect," Kalyaninagar resident Subhash Joshi told TOI.
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