Pune, 5th August 2026: The Maharashtra government's flagship Pink E-Auto Scheme, aimed at promoting women's entrepreneurship and environmentally friendly transport, has struggled to gain momentum in Pune.
Although the government has now doubled the subsidy available under the scheme from 20% to 40%, only 17 women in the district have completed the process and begun operating Pink E-Autos since its launch nearly two years ago.
The district was initially expected to see around 4,000 women beneficiaries, but the low number of operational vehicles has exposed a significant gap between the scheme's ambitious targets and its implementation on the ground.
The scheme was launched in July 2024 to encourage women to become financially independent by owning electric auto-rickshaws. Initially, it aimed to benefit 10,000 women across 17 cities, including 1,400 beneficiaries in Pune city and 300 each in Pimpri and Chinchwad. The district target was later expanded to 4,000 beneficiaries.
However, after witnessing slow progress, the Maharashtra government revised the scheme. Under the latest Government Resolution, the overall beneficiary target has been reduced from 10,000 to 5,000 across eight major districts, while the subsidy has been increased to 40% to improve participation.
Women who had already received Pink E-Autos under the earlier policy will also receive the additional subsidy to help reduce their loan burden. Beneficiaries will continue to contribute at least 10% of the vehicle's cost, with the remaining amount financed through bank loans or an interest-free deferred payment facility.
A survey conducted by Pune-based organisations Parisar and Asar Social Impact Advisors found that several operational and financial challenges continue to discourage women from joining the scheme.
According to the study, many women struggle with limited awareness about eligibility criteria, complex documentation, delays in processing applications, difficulties in obtaining bank loans, arranging the required personal contribution and uncertainty about generating sustainable income from operating the vehicles.
The organisations have recommended simplifying the application process, establishing district-level grievance redressal systems, speeding up permit approvals and route allocation, improving technical support for vehicle maintenance and creating dedicated parking spaces for Pink E-Autos at Metro stations and other high-footfall locations.
Sharmila Dev, Senior Program Associate at Parisar, said the increase in subsidy is a welcome step but financial assistance alone will not ensure the scheme's success.
"The enhanced subsidy is certainly a positive move. However, widespread awareness, a simpler application process and timely support from government agencies are equally important. Dedicated parking at Metro stations, designated auto stands and better coordination with the RTO and traffic police can encourage many more women to enter this profession," she said.
Vilas Gite, Program Associate at Asar Social Impact Advisors, said women who have started driving Pink E-Autos have experienced greater confidence and financial independence, but several structural issues still need attention.
"Owning and driving their own auto-rickshaw has strengthened women's confidence and economic independence, and the service has received a positive response from students and senior citizens. At the same time, the government must ensure technical support for vehicle maintenance, dedicated parking, faster permit approvals, proper route planning and a sustainable income model to make the scheme truly successful," he said.