Matheran begins e-rickshaw trial
MUMBAI: A three-month trial of e-rickshaws from Dasturi Naka to Matheran – the city’s favourite and closest hill station – began on Monday. The initiative is likely to eradicate the hand-pulled carts, which, apart from horses, is the only mode of transportation in the area.
Currently, there are 460 horses and 94 hand-pulled rickshaws.
People also trek their way up to reach the hill station where cars – using petrol and diesel – have been banned since the British era.
Seven e-rickshaws were introduced for the trial on Monday. Sachin Manve, a driver of an e-rickshaw said, “My e-rickshaw was used by students and handicapped on Monday. It is smooth and can climb the terrains with great ease.’’
As of now, the prices for e-rickshaw will be ₹5 per seat for students and ₹35 per seat for others.
In May, the Supreme Court allowed the Matheran Municipal Council to have a pilot project to have e-rickshaws in the hill station.
Surekha Bhange, chief officer of the Matheran Municipal Council said, “When we issued expressions of interest for e-rickshaws, six companies came forward and five of them took part in trials.” Bhange added that they have selected two models for the trial.
“At present, we will give pref
My e-rickshaw was used by students and handicapped on Monday. It is smooth and can climb the terrains with great ease.
An e-rickshaw driver.
I have been pulling hand carts since 1989. I never wanted my children to come into my profession. I educated them and wanted them to do something else in life.
Sachin Manve,
Ganpat Ranjane,
A hand-cart puller
erence to students, senior citizens, pregnant women and the handicapped,’’ she said. “Right now, it is only for the local citizens, tourists will not be allowed.”
Sunil Shinde – a resident of Matheran who had taken the lead to start the e-rickshaws – said, “Hand-pulled rickshaws are inhuman and have an immense effect on the rickshaw-puller’s health.”
He added that the first appeal to bring in e-rickshaws was made by him in 2012 and eventually he filed a PIL in November 2021. “Finally, when I noticed there was no progress, I filed a petition in
the SC and they agreed to a pilot project,’’ said Shinde.
The horse owners are indirectly opposing these e-rickshaws, he said. Gradually, those pulling hand-carts will be given preference for the battery-operated vehicles.
Ganpat Ranjane, a handcart puller said, “I have been pulling hand carts since 1989. I never wanted my children to come into my profession. I educated them and wanted them to do something else in life. We are still stuck in old era.” He is hopeful of getting an e-rickshaw.