The city is set to introduce 1,400 pink electric autos exclusively driven by women, aiming to empower them and provide a secure means of livelihood. Priority will be given to widows, divorcées, inmates of state homes, orphans, and economically disadvantaged women.
A special website for online applications will be launched soon. Women aged 18-35 with a driving licence can own these autos. The government will offer a 20% subsidy, with applicants covering 10% of the vehicle cost and the remaining 70% financed through bank loans.
Some union leaders have expressed concerns about the feasibility of this women-exclusive scheme, citing a potential shortage of women drivers to operate the vehicles in two shifts. They suggested allowing male drivers to cover the second shift. However, the government remains firm on its stance, directing regional transport offices to enforce strict compliance.
City activist Aarati Pugaonkar is optimistic about the introduction of these e-autos. She believes they will benefit women travellers, especially at a time when the city’s bus services are unable to meet demand. The pink autos will not only provide a boost for women commuters but also offer a significant source of income for economically weaker sections and underprivileged women, ensuring their economic empowerment.
Currently, there are around 200-300 autos driven by both women and men in the Mumbai region. The new pink e-autos will join these, following the trend set in other states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Goa.
Plans are in place to equip the pink e-autos with modern amenities such as GPS tracking, panic buttons, and other safety features to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers. This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities for women and contribute to safer public transportation in the city.
Ensuring adequate infrastructure for charging these e-autos is crucial. Previous attempts to introduce e-autos faced challenges due to insufficient charging facilities. However, the government is committed to addressing these issues as part of the rollout of 4,400 pink e-autos across the Mumbai metropolitan region.
