Pune: With Pune’s auto-rickshaw population tripling over the past decade, the administration has finally begun a city-wide survey to identify locations for new rickshaw stands. The move comes in response to severe traffic congestion caused by haphazardly parked rickshaws due to the lack of designated stands.
In 2010, Pune had 45,000 rickshaws and 922 stands. Today, the city has 1.3 lakh (130,000) registered rickshaws, but only 28 new stands have been added in the last decade, bringing the total to just 950 stands. The absence of sufficient stands has led to rickshaws being parked randomly on roads, disrupting traffic flow.
To address this issue, the Pune RTO, in collaboration with the Traffic Police, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and various rickshaw unions, has started a comprehensive survey to determine the ideal locations for new rickshaw stands.
The last approval for new rickshaw stands was given on 15th January 2020, when 28 new stands were sanctioned. However, no further approvals have been granted in the last five years. Since traffic police are responsible for approving new stands, the process has been delayed.
The Pune RTO recently proposed an increase in the number of rickshaw stands at a Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting, and the chairperson has approved this proposal.
Major Factors Behind the Issue:
Increase in Rickshaw Permits: The opening of rickshaw permits led to a sharp rise in the number of auto-rickshaws.
City Infrastructure Changes: Several rickshaw stands were removed due to urban development projects.
Traffic Management Issues: Many stands were eliminated as they obstructed traffic movement.
Passenger Inconvenience: The lack of stands has made it difficult for passengers to find rickshaws in key areas.
Survey for New Stands: Authorities have now started a survey to identify suitable locations for new rickshaw stands.
Traffic-Friendly Approach: New stands will be set up where necessary, and existing ones causing traffic congestion will be removed.
Need for More Rickshaw Stands
"There are too few rickshaw stands compared to the total number of rickshaws, which is causing major inconvenience for passengers. The District Collector has also directed the administration to address this issue by increasing the number of stands."
— Nitin Pawar, General Secretary, Rickshaw Panchayat, Pune
Survey Underway for Identifying Locations
"A survey has been launched to determine suitable locations for new rickshaw stands. A total of 20 RTO inspectors are working on this project. After completing the survey, a detailed report will be submitted, and the new stands will be approved accordingly. The goal is to establish stands in locations that do not obstruct traffic."
— Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Pune
