Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to launch “Hirkani Kaksha” (Lactation Pods), a gender-responsive initiative designed to support nursing mothers and enhance the safety and dignity of women commuters across Maharashtra’s public transport system.
Under the initiative, TKM will support the installation of 125 lactation pods across MSRTC bus depots throughout Maharashtra. These pods will provide secure, private and hygienic spaces equipped with prefabricated rooms, seating, feeding tables, baby diaper changing stations, sanitary napkin dispensers and ventilation facilities. The initiative is expected to serve nearly 4.50 lakh women commuters annually, addressing a critical gap in gender-sensitive infrastructure at public transport hubs.
Maharashtra’s MSRTC operates approximately 22,800 buses across the state, with major depots experiencing daily commuter volumes of 20,000 to 50,000 passengers. Women constitute approximately 35-45% of total commuters, with significant demand emerging from high-footfall pilgrim destinations including Tuljapur, Pandharpur, Shirdi, Kolhapur and Nashik.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri. Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister; Smt. Sunetra Pawar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister; Shri. Pratap Sarnaik, Hon’ble Minister of Transport; and other senior government officials, along with TKM leadership.
Shri. Pratap Sarnaik said, “The Hirkani Kaksha project exemplifies how collaborative initiatives between government and industry can create meaningful impact on citizens’ lives. This initiative strengthens our commitment to providing gender-sensitive, inclusive public services.”
Shri. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Hirkani Kaksha initiative reflects our belief to address the specific needs of inclusive development of all community members. This initiative with MSRTC demonstrates private sector and government collaboration to drive social progress meaningfully.”
Since 2001, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has been committed to uplifting communities through initiatives spanning education, environment, road safety, skill development, health and hygiene, and disaster management.
