Maha Metro officials have announced that e-autos will soon be introduced at select Metro stations in the city to improve last-mile connectivity.
According to Hemant Sonawane, director of public relations for Maha Metro, a team from the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) multi-modal section recently visited Delhi to meet with e-rickshaw service providers, such as ETO Motors Pvt Ltd, which operates services at some Metro stations in the capital. He stated that discussions are ongoing and that similar e-auto services are planned for Pune Metro as well.
Currently, there are only about 170 passenger e-rickshaws registered with the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) and 37 with the Pimpri Chinchwad RTO. A Pune RTO official explained that around six years ago, there was an attempt to introduce e-rickshaws for short-distance travel, but protests from auto drivers ensued, and the e-rickshaws did not gain much popularity. As a result, few people currently use these rickshaws.
Harshad Abhyankar, founder of Save Pune Traffic Movement, supports the idea of introducing e-autos but warned that last-mile connectivity is a common issue for all Metro systems. He suggested that the state and national authorities promoting Metro systems nationwide should first improve the basic bus-based systems before investing heavily in Metro projects that often operate at only 15 per cent capacity.
Sonawane also mentioned that Maha Metro is in talks with auto unions in the city. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Baghtoy Rickshawala autorickshaw union, pointed out that there is a lack of proper infrastructure for autos near most Metro stations, making it difficult for passengers to find transportation. He recommended that Maha Metro install signboards indicating nearby areas from Metro stations to help passengers and auto drivers connect more easily.
The challenge of last-mile connectivity continues to be a significant concern for passengers. Buses operate at half-hour intervals but are frequently delayed, and passengers often expect immediate transportation upon leaving a Metro station, especially for short distances.