
Shared mobility has become an essential transport solution in Karaikal, bridging connectivity gaps where conventional public transport remains limited. This policy brief examines how informal fare-sharing autorickshaws and route-based shared services operate within Puducherry’s existing permit framework, highlighting the legal ambiguities and structural constraints that limit their growth. It proposes practical policy options to formally recognise shared mobility, strengthen regulatory clarity, and improve last-mile connectivity through a more flexible and inclusive transport system.