Pune Auto Driver Redefines Public Transport with Free Water, First Aid, Wi-Fi and Warmth

By Mahak Jagtap
Wakad, 29th January 2026: By any ordinary measure, an auto rickshaw is just a means of getting from one place to another. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, however, one such vehicle has become something far more — a quiet classroom of compassion, an eco-friendly experiment, and a moving reminder that humanity still has a seat in the front row.

Meet Kalyan Kasbe. By profession, he is a qualified mechanic working with a multinational company. By passion, he is an auto driver. And by conviction, he is a man determined to change how people see those who work behind the handlebars.

At a time when auto drivers are often stereotyped as impatient or unhelpful, Kasbe is rewriting that narrative — one gentle ride at a time.
“I want to change the mentality that all auto drivers are rude,” Kasbe says. “There are many good drivers, but because of a few, everyone is judged the same. One person’s mistake should not make all drivers look bad.”

“Travelling in Kalyan Kasbe’s autorickshaw is a completely different experience. It’s not just about getting from one place to another, it’s about feeling respected and cared for as a passenger,” said Amit Banerjee, a regular commuter for the last six months. “What he does goes beyond duty. More people should take inspiration from his work and bring this kind of kindness and responsibility into everyday life.”

A Vehicle Built from Waste, and from Values
Driven purely as a hobby and a sense of social responsibility, Kasbe has transformed his auto into a unique eco-friendly model using recycled and waste materials. Over three years, he spent just ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 — not on luxury, but on purpose.

Small tubs of plants line the auto. Eco-friendly décor replaces plastic clutter. Every element is chosen with care, reflecting a deep respect for nature and people alike.

Step inside, and you find more than a seat. There is free drinking water, a dustbin, a first-aid box, a visitor’s book, a music system, curtains, a tray for snacks, and even a colour TV. The auto has CCTV for safety, Wi-Fi for connectivity, and a seat belt for the driver’s own protection. There is also a provision for wheelchair access, making the vehicle inclusive for passengers with special needs.

But the heart of Kasbe’s auto is not its design. It is its intention.

Service Before Fare
What truly sets this auto apart is its policy of free rides for senior citizens, army officers, and especially for medical visits. Kasbe noticed that many elderly people struggle with the cost of daily travel, particularly when it comes to hospital appointments.

“That is when I decided that money should not come in the way of someone’s health,” he says. “If I can help even one person reach a doctor on time, that is enough for me.”

Passengers are also offered chocolates and water bottles at no cost — small gestures that leave a big emotional imprint. In a city that often runs on speed, Kasbe’s auto runs on sensitivity.

After finishing his office shift, Kasbe takes out his auto in the PCMC area, and travels into Pune when required. He does not chase profit. He chases purpose.

A Message on Wheels
Kasbe also hopes his initiative will inspire others in the auto community. He does not expect everyone to build a model like his, but he believes simple steps can change public perception.

“Even keeping water bottles for passengers is a good start,” he says. “You don’t have to do everything I’ve done. But you can always do something.”

On Republic Day, his decorated auto became part of a mini tour, symbolically carrying the values of unity, service, and civic responsibility through the streets.

More Than a Ride
Kalyan Kasbe’s auto is not just a vehicle. It is a moving statement — about kindness in public spaces, about environmental awareness, and about how one person’s choices can ripple through an entire community.

In a city of lakhs of autos, his stands out not because it shines brighter, but because it feels warmer. And in today’s world, that might just be the kind of ride we all need.