Pune: PCMC Rolls Out Rs 30,000 Subsidy for First 1,500 E-Rickshaw Owners

Pimpri Chinchwad, 28th December 2024: In a move to reduce air pollution and promote the use of electric vehicles, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for e-rickshaw owners. The first 1,500 e-rickshaw holders will benefit from this initiative, which is part of the city’s broader effort to support the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly transportation.

On December 24, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh distributed subsidy cheques to e-rickshaw holders at a ceremony held at the Late Mayor Madhukrao Pavale Standing Committee Hall in the PCMC’s main administrative building. In his address, Singh urged more e-rickshaw owners to take advantage of the scheme, emphasizing the environmental benefits of switching to electric vehicles.

“This subsidy scheme is a significant step toward reducing air pollution in Pimpri Chinchwad, promoting the use of e-vehicles, and contributing to the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Singh. He added that the municipal corporation is working in alignment with the Maharashtra Electric Policy 2021 to ensure a greener future for the city.

The Rs 30,000 subsidy will be provided to e-rickshaw owners who purchase or retrofit their vehicles with electric batteries. This subsidy applies to e-rickshaws purchased by citizens of Pimpri Chinchwad after July 23, 2022. The first 1,500 applicants will be eligible for the subsidy on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, vehicle owners who retrofit conventional fuel-powered passenger and freight vehicles with EV batteries will also receive subsidies.

The distribution of cheques to the first group of beneficiaries was attended by various key officials, including Additional Commissioner Chandrakant Indalkar, City Engineer Makarand Nikam, Deputy Director of Urban Planning Prasad Gaikwad, and Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Praveen Jain.

The municipal corporation’s e-vehicle policy aims to reduce air pollution by encouraging the use of electric three-wheeled passenger transport vehicles (L5M) and electric battery-powered freight vehicles (L5N). The initiative aligns with the city’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean, sustainable energy practices.

Babasaheb Galbale, Joint City Engineer of the Electricity Department, PCMC, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “In addition to the subsidies provided by the state and central governments, the first 1,500 e-rickshaw drivers will receive an additional Rs 30,000 subsidy from the Municipal Corporation to encourage the use of e-vehicles.”

Shekhar Singh further emphasized the broader impact: “The use of electric vehicles will be crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to affordable and clean energy, resource management, and environmental change mitigation.”