Pune: Protest by Rickshaw Unions Leads to Cancellation of Rapido Stand Launch at Ramwadi Metro Station; Auto Drivers Question Legality of Operations

Pune, 11th May 2026: Auto-rickshaw drivers staged a protest at the Ramwadi Metro Station on Monday against Pune Metro authorities over an alleged attempt to set up a stand for bike taxi aggregator Rapido, which the protesters claimed is not authorised to operate in Pune city and Maharashtra.

According to a statement issued by rickshaw unions, Metro officials were allegedly planning to enter into an arrangement with Rapido without obtaining the required permissions from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The unions also alleged that efforts were being made to provide Metro space to the company despite questions over the legality of its operations.

The protest erupted after an alleged attempt was made to launch a Rapido-linked rickshaw stand at the Ramwadi station premises. Rickshaw drivers gathered at the spot and questioned Metro officials, demanding proof that Rapido had valid permission to operate transport services in Pune and elsewhere in the state.

The unions claimed that officials present at the venue were unable to respond to the queries raised by the protesters and eventually left the programme midway, following which the proposed inauguration of the stand was cancelled.

The protesters further alleged that the Metro administration was extending support to a company against which cases related to illegal operations have reportedly been registered in different parts of the state.

Rickshaw unions also questioned whether the company’s financial strength and large-scale investments were influencing officials to support its operations despite objections from local transport operators.

The unions warned that they would intensify their agitation if any attempt was made to provide “government backing” to companies they alleged were operating without proper authorisation.