Kalyan: In accordance with the directives of the Sub-Regional Transport Office (RTO), a metered rickshaw service was launched today at the West Main Rickshaw Stand near Kalyan Railway Station. The service was inaugurated in the presence of Pranav Penkar, President of the Rickshaw Driver-Owner Association, Kalyan City, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector Prashant Suryavanshi, Priyanka Sagankar, and Akshaya Bansode.

Pranav Penkar explained that the association is promoting the metered fare system to ensure the sustainability of rickshaw drivers’ businesses amidst growing competition from bike taxis, Ola, Uber, and other passenger transport services. This initiative is aimed at providing uninterrupted and stable work opportunities for rickshaw drivers.

The meter-based rickshaw service will be operational on an experimental basis for Kalyan residents, with fares being calculated according to the meter. For any complaints or issues, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector Prashant Suryavanshi urged the public to contact the helpline at 9423448824.

The launch event was attended by Santosh Navale, Chairman of the Rickshaw Chalak-Malak Association, Vice President Jitendra Pawar, Shagir Sheikh, Bandu Wadekar, Wilson Kalpund, President of the BJP Vahatuk Sanghtana, and other officials.