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 across Maharashtra. The gender-responsive initiative is aimed at providing nursing mothers with safe, private and hygienic spaces at public transport facilities while enhancing the overall travel experience for women commuters.
Under the initiative, TKM will support the installation of 125 lactation pods across MSRTC bus depots in Maharashtra. The facilities will include prefabricated rooms, seating, feeding tables, baby diaper-changing stations, sanitary napkin dispensers and ventilation systems. The project is expected to benefit nearly 4.50 lakh women commuters annually.
MSRTC operates approximately 22,800 buses across Maharashtra, with major depots recording daily commuter volumes of between 20,000 and 50,000 passengers. Women account for an estimated 35–45% of total commuters, representing approximately 1.73 million passengers. The need for accessible and women-friendly infrastructure is particularly relevant at high-footfall pilgrimage destinations such as Tuljapur, Pandharpur, Shirdi, Kolhapur and Nashik, which collectively attract an estimated 10–15 million visitors annually.
The Hirkani Kaksha initiative is designed to address the specific requirements of nursing mothers during travel by providing dedicated spaces that offer privacy, hygiene and convenience. The project also reflects the focus of TKM and MSRTC on developing more inclusive public transport infrastructure and supporting the well-being and dignity of women commuters and their families.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde; Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar; Minister of Transport Pratap Sarnaik; senior government officials and representatives of TKM. Pratap Sarnaik, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Government of Maharashtra, 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 that prioritize the well-being and dignity of women commuters. We look forward to rolling out these lactation pods across MSRTC depots and setting a benchmark for public transport infrastructure in India.”
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. By creating safe and dignified spaces for nursing mothers in public transport, we are contributing to an eco-system that respects women’s mobility, health and well-being. This initiative with MSRTC demonstrates private sector and government collaboration to drive social progress meaningfully and make essential services more accessible to all.”
Since 2001, TKM has undertaken community initiatives across education, environment, road safety, skill development, health and hygiene, and disaster management. Through partnerships with government and civil society organisations, the company continues to support community development and its philosophy of “Creating Mobility for All.”
