Pimpri-Chinchwad, 17th August 2026: A new auto-rickshaw feeder service has been launched around Pune Metro stations in Pimpri-Chinchwad to improve last-mile connectivity and strengthen the cityтАЩs public transport network.
The service has been introduced jointly by Pune Metro, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat. It was inaugurated by Mayor Ravi Landge in the presence of public representatives, senior officials, auto-rickshaw drivers and representatives of passenger organisations.
Among those present were MLA Uma Khapre, Deputy Mayor Sharmila Babar, Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barane, MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, PCMC Municipal Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi, Regional Transport Officer Sandesh Chavan, MahaMetro Executive Director (Operations and Systems) Rajesh Dwivedi, Pune Metro General Manager Captain Dr Rajendra Saner-Patil and Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat president Baba Kamble.
Focus on last-mile connectivity
Speaking at the launch, MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar said convenient connectivity from metro stations to passengersтАЩ final destinations was essential to make metro services more effective.
He said passengers should be able to find auto-rickshaws easily at metro stations at reasonable fares after completing their metro journey.
тАЬIf passengers can easily get an auto-rickshaw at an affordable fare after getting off the metro and reach their destination, their confidence in both metro and auto-rickshaw services will increase,тАЭ Hardikar said.
He urged auto-rickshaw drivers not to refuse passengers and to provide services either according to the meter or at fixed, reasonable fares. He also appealed to drivers to consider adopting a shared-rickshaw system where feasible.
According to Hardikar, such an arrangement could benefit both passengers and auto-rickshaw drivers while improving last-mile connectivity to the metro network.
The initiative is expected to provide passengers with an additional transport option for travelling between metro stations and nearby residential, commercial and other destinations in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
