– August 19, 2020The Rickshaw Panchayat is Pune’s largest auto rickshaw drivers’ union. They have launched a new initiative in Pune called ‘Corona-Free Rickshaw’. As per this initiative, at least 100 rickshaws have been modified. These rickshaws feature a transparent barrier between the driver and the passenger. A sanitiser spray is also provided. The drivers of such rickshaws use a mask and a face shield. All these measures are undertaken keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic and the people’s fear associated with it. The ‘Corona-Free Rickshaw’ service was greenlighted by the Pune Divisional Commissioner. Commuters can identify the autorickshaws that are a part of this initiative via stickers. As per the Union’s convenor, the ‘Corona-Free Rickshaw’ came as a response to low auto rickshaw ridership. Auto Rickshaws could again ply on roads in Pune from 1 August 2020 but the response was not that encouraging due to the fear associated with the virus.