Pune: Maharashtra Government and Kinetic Green join hands to launch ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ initiative for 10,000 women Beneficiaries

Pune, 21st April 2025: In a significant move towards women’s empowerment and sustainable mobility, the Maharashtra Government has launched the ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ scheme. Spearheaded by the Women & Child Development Department, the initiative plans to deploy 10,000 eco-friendly Kinetic Green electric 3-Wheeler rickshaws in 8 districts namely Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, empowering women and promoting a greener environment.

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, Minister of Women & Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, State Minister, Women & Child Development, Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson Maharashtra Legislative Council, Rupali Chakankar chairperson of the State Woman’s Commission along with Kinetic Green’s Co-founder & ED, Ritesh Mantri handed over the batch of Pink e Rickshaw’s to women beneficiaries on 21st April at an event held at Pune.

Under this scheme, the Maharashtra Government will provide a 20% subsidy on the cost of each E-Rickshaw, while beneficiaries will contribute 10% as a down payment. The remaining 70% will be financed through bank loans facilitated by key financial partners, ensuring accessible and low-interest funding options. Additionally, both will conduct on-ground activities across various locations to engage the recipients and collaborate with Bachhat Gat. To further support them, Kinetic Green will offer free driving training, assist in obtaining driving licenses, and set up a robust charging infrastructure. Kinetic Green is committed to deploying 1500 charger across eight participating districts, ensuring holistic solution is available to the recipients of scheme. Additionally, both the vehicle and battery will come with a five-year warranty, along with a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) covering all periodic and preventive maintenance services, including one free service per quarter for five years.

Kinetic Green is actively forging strategic partnerships with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited and various ride-hailing service platforms. This collaboration is designed to provide crucial first and last-mile connectivity options for commuters. Importantly, this initiative creates a reliable and assured income stream empowering them through accessible and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Speaking on the initiative, Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder & CEO, Kinetic Green, stated, “At Kinetic Green, we are deeply committed to driving meaningful change through sustainable mobility solutions. The Pink E-Rickshaw scheme is a powerful testament to this vision, as it combines women’s upliftment with environmental stewardship. By equipping women with a reliable and dignified source of livelihood, we are not only transforming their economic prospects but also fostering confidence and independence. This initiative is a step toward building stronger communities and a cleaner and eco-conscious future, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a sustainable world. We are grateful to the Maharashtra Government for its unwavering support in making this initiative a success, as their progressive policies and financial assistance are instrumental in empowering women and accelerating the adoption of green mobility across the state.”

Commenting on the initiative, Sudhanshu Agrawal, President Mobility & International Business, Kinetic Green emphasised the profound human impact of the Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, stating, “This initiative is not just about providing women with a means of livelihood; it is about giving them the confidence to take control of their lives and contribute meaningfully to society. By enabling women to become self-reliant, we are fostering a culture of strength and dignity. These Pink E-Rickshaws symbolise hope and progress, offering safer transportation options while promoting environmental sustainability. Together with Govt. of Maharashtra, we are proud to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to drive her own future.”

The scheme is tailored for women aged 20 to 50 years prioritising widows, divorcees, and those below the poverty line. Kinetic Green Pink E-Rickshaw offers a 120 km range per charge and features dual suspension for superior comfort, a digital display panel, dual headlamps, and a high ground clearance of 220mm. Designed to seat a driver and four passengers, the vehicle can be conveniently charged using a standard 16-amp home socket.

Kinetic Green will be appointing an agency for training of beneficiaries, ensuring that all drivers are well-equipped with the necessary skills to operate their e-rickshaws efficiently. As Maharashtra takes a bold step toward gender equality and green mobility, Kinetic Green is committed for paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.