Date: 10 November 2025
A significant meeting regarding the auto-rickshaw transport system in the Vasai region was held today, Monday, 10 November 2025, at the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation headquarters, in my presence. The purpose of the meeting was to reduce inconvenience to citizens, bring transparency to the rickshaw service, and establish an organized traffic system. Several public-interest decisions were taken during this meeting.
It was decided that the existing rickshaw meter fares will remain in effect. The shared rickshaw service will not be discontinued, but passengers will have the freedom to choose between two options — metered fare or shared fare, as per their preference. It was clearly stated that no passenger or rickshaw driver should be forced into either option.
To ensure smooth operation of the meter system, it was decided to form a committee of 10 to 15 members, which will include union leaders, senior rickshaw drivers, and municipal officials. This committee will work towards resolving citizens’ issues and ensuring efficient planning of the system.
Additionally, a special session will be held between 23 and 30 November to conduct detailed discussions on issues related to the rickshaw system and possible solutions. A task force will be appointed to take strict action against unauthorized rickshaws, “tam-tam” vehicles, private buses, and tankers.
A survey of 256 rickshaw stands by the Municipal Corporation has been completed, out of which 118 stands have already been constructed. Copies of correspondence with MMRDA will be handed over to me soon. Action is also being taken against unauthorized hawkers and weekly markets, and the process of designating hawker zones is currently underway. It was mentioned in the meeting that Commissioner Mr. Manoj Kumar Suryawanshi and Additional Commissioner Mr. Deepak Sawant have taken a positive stand in this regard.
The overall objective of these decisions is to provide citizens with a well-organized, safe, and transparent transport system. It was appealed that the administration, rickshaw drivers, and citizens should cooperate to make this system successful.
The meeting was attended by myself, Additional Commissioner of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation Mr. Deepak Sawant, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Mr. Shankar Indalkar, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Mr. Deepak Ugale, and office bearers and members of the local rickshaw owners and drivers’ associations, who were present in large numbers.