From Pain to Power: Pune Women Waste Collectors Get E-Push Carts

Pune, 7th May 2025: In a landmark move toward empowering sanitation workers and promoting green technology, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched e-push carts for women waste collectors across select areas of the city. This pioneering initiative is being implemented on a pilot basis in Dhankawadi, Bibwewadi, Wanawadi, Sinhagad Road, Kondhwa, and Warje, offering both relief and recognition to the unsung heroes of urban cleanliness.

The new e-push carts, designed to carry up to 15 kg of waste over 15 km, were handed over at a special ceremony at the PMC headquarters recently. The event was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B. P. and Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Sandeep Kadam, who officially distributed the carts.

A Welcome Relief for Women Workers
For many women who have been manually pushing heavy carts across uneven roads, the shift to e-carts comes as a much-needed transformation.
“Till now, we have been working by driving push carts without an engine. Due to the ups and downs on the roads, many women suffer from knee and joint pain. But now, e-push carts will reduce our hardships and even elderly women will be able to work more comfortably,” shared Vidya Naiknaware, Board Member of Swachh Pune Seva Sahakari Sanstha.

Partnership for Progress
This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort. Social Alpha, a platform supporting social innovation, is providing 75 e-push carts for the pilot.
“Garbage collectors play a major role in keeping Pune clean. To support them, we are proud to provide this essential equipment,” said Apoorva Majumdar of Social Alpha.
Anant Jain, founder of Ebike and key technology partner, emphasized the health benefits: “The work of waste collectors is also like serving the nation. These e-carts will protect them from long-term health hazards.”

Setting a National Example
Describing the project as a flagship model for the country, Lubna Ananthakrishnan, Trustee of Kashtkari Panchayat, said: “This pilot will not only benefit Pune but can also serve as a national blueprint for worker dignity and environmental sustainability.”

Echoing the sentiment, Anil Barve, Director of Swachh Seva, stated: “Electrification of pushcarts is a perfect fusion of eco-friendly innovation and human dignity. It aligns with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.”