Leslin K Seemon
| 165 views | 4 min read
At just 100 kilometres from Mumbai, Matheran is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, known for its eco-sensitive zone and steep, rugged terrain. For years, the people of Matheran relied on hand-pulled rickshaws and horses to navigate the challenging landscape—a practice that was not only physically demanding but also harmful to health.
Thanks to a landmark decision by the Supreme Court the introduction of e-rickshaws has spurred economic revitalization in Matheran.
Hand pullers, who once faced uncertain incomes, now have a consistent revenue stream. The affordability and convenience of e-rickshaws have attracted more tourists, increasing economic activity for local businesses and service providers.
Furthermore, by reducing the burden on horses, previously the backbone of transport here, e-rickshaws have also addressed animal welfare concerns and enhanced the overall tourist experience.
The biggest challenge for people in the unorganised sector is financing. Traditional banks and NBFCs often shy away from granting loans to those without formal income documentation, leaving them vulnerable to exploitative interest rates from informal lenders. Through Rang De affordable loans are channelled where they are most needed, and the impact is visible on the ground.
Satish, a resident of Matheran, after starting his career as a hotel agent, he found himself switching to the more physically taxing job of a hand-pulled rickshaw driver due to rising competition. The work took a toll on his health, leading to two cardiac arrests.
But everything changed when he was able to secure a loan through Rang De, which enabled him to purchase an e-rickshaw.
This e-rickshaw, funded by Rang De Social Investors, has been a game-changer for Satish. It not only allowed him to continue supporting his family but also significantly reduced the physical strain he had been enduring for years.
Today, Satish earns around ₹34,000 monthly by ferrying tourists between the Matheran entrance and the market—a journey of about 2.5 kilometres.
The shift to e-rickshaws in Matheran, backed by Rang De’s affordable loans, has had a substantial economic impact. For Satish, it meant moving from a labour-intensive job with limited income potential to a more sustainable livelihood. His monthly expenses include a ₹12,050 EMI to Rang De, but despite this, he manages to save around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 each month after covering all living expenses.
This extra income is crucial in a place like Matheran, where the cost of living, though lower than Mumbai, can still be challenging, especially for someone supporting a family of five. With Rang De’s support, Satish has not only been able to improve his own financial stability but also contribute to the community by providing a cleaner, more efficient mode of transportation.
Rang De has been instrumental in facilitating this shift by providing affordable loans to individuals like Satish, who previously had limited access to formal banking services. The availability of these loans has also created a ripple effect, boosting local tourism by providing a more comfortable and eco-friendly transportation option.
Until now, 462 Rang De Social Investors have funded ₹53 lakhs in affordable loans for 18 e-auto rickshaw drivers.
Moreover, the introduction of e-rickshaws has reduced the reliance on horses for transport, which has been a contentious issue due to the heavy loads they were often forced to carry. While some feared that e-rickshaws might threaten the livelihood of horse owners, the opposite has happened.
With more tourists visiting Matheran thanks to the convenient transportation, there’s been an increase in demand for horse rides to areas inaccessible by rickshaws.
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