Rs. 400 Crore ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ Scam Alleged; Protest March Planned in Pimpri
- Women Allege Fraud, Demand ACB Probe and Refund; Rally with Defective Rickshaws on May 5
Pune : Serious allegations of a Rs. 400 crore scam have surfaced in the Maharashtra government’s ‘Pink E-Rickshaw’ scheme, with the Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat and women driver-owner groups accusing a private company and officials of large-scale corruption and fraud.
According to a press release issued by Baba Kamble, President of the Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat, a tender meant for 10,000 modern L-5 category e-rickshaws was allegedly manipulated, with outdated and slower L-3 vehicles supplied instead. These vehicles, reportedly unsuitable for commercial passenger transport in urban areas, were sold to women beneficiaries at inflated prices of around ₹4 lakh—nearly double their market value.
Activists claim that out of the planned 10,000 vehicles, only 137 are currently operational, many of which frequently break down, leaving women financially burdened. In protest, a major rally has been announced on May 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM, from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Statue Chowk in Pimpri to the showroom of the accused company. Notably, affected women will participate with their defective rickshaws to highlight the issue.
Leaders have demanded an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe, refund of money with interest, criminal cases against those involved, cancellation of the tender, and direct financial support for women beneficiaries. The protest is expected to draw participation from multiple social organizations, intensifying pressure on authorities for swift action.
