Women Behind the Wheel: How CEEW is Empowering Female Drivers in Amritsar!

For decades, Indian roads have been dominated by male drivers, particularly in the autorickshaw sector. Women make up a mere 0.01% of mobility service providers, and entrenched societal norms have largely kept them out of the driver’s seat. However, a groundbreaking initiative in Amritsar is now shifting gears—quite literally—by putting women behind the wheel of electric autorickshaws (e-autos). The launch of 200 pink e-autos, backed by a 90% subsidy under the Rejuvenation of Autorickshaws in Amritsar through the Holistic Intervention (Raahi) scheme, is not just a transportation upgrade; it’s an economic and social revolution.

A New Avenue for Women’s Economic Independence

The transition to e-autos is part of Amritsar’s broader effort to electrify its three-wheeler fleet, reducing pollution and improving livelihoods. Yet, until recently, women were excluded from these benefits. Thanks to persistent advocacy from organisations like the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), policy adjustments, and grassroots support, the city is now fostering gender-inclusive mobility.

For many women, driving an e-auto is more than a job—it’s a pathway to financial independence. Take Sarabhjit Singh, Amritsar’s first female pink auto driver. A mother of three, she was struggling to make ends meet after her husband, a diesel auto driver, was injured in an accident. With limited options, she learned to drive and took over his auto, defying community resistance and societal norms. Today, as the leader of a women’s self-help group (SHG) supported by CEEW, she not only drives her own pink e-auto but also mentors others to do the same.

Another inspiring story is that of Raj, a former domestic worker who switched to driving a pink e-auto. “Earlier, I earned a fraction of what I do now. Just a few hours on the road, and I make around Rs. 600 daily,” she says. Despite continued resistance from male drivers, she remains undeterred. “This is my road too,” she asserts.

More Than Just a Ride: Safety and Sustainability

Women driving e-autos is not just about employment—it’s also about safer urban mobility. Many women feel uneasy using public transport due to safety concerns. With female-driven e-autos on the roads, passengers—especially other women—now have a trusted alternative. In cities like Delhi, Ranchi, and now Amritsar, the presence of female drivers has been linked to increased safety and improved public confidence in last-mile connectivity services.

Beyond safety, the initiative also contributes to sustainability. Traditional diesel autorickshaws contribute significantly to urban air pollution, but electric vehicles (EVs) are a cleaner alternative. By integrating more women into the e-auto sector, cities are tackling both environmental and gender disparities in one stroke.

The Road Ahead: A Model for Other Cities

While Amritsar’s pink e-auto initiative is a significant milestone, it highlights a broader need for inclusive mobility policies across India. Currently, only three states—Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu—have specific provisions for women in their EV policies. Even among them, Delhi is the only state actively encouraging female drivers.

The success of Amritsar’s model shows that financial support, training, and community-based self-help groups can help overcome barriers that have historically excluded women from transport services. With 30 women already driving pink e-autos and more applications pending, the demand is clear. Scaling such initiatives across India could create thousands of jobs for women, improve public transport safety, and contribute to a greener economy.

Breaking Stereotypes, One Ride at a Time

For decades, women in India have been passengers—rarely drivers—of public transport. But with the rise of gender-inclusive e-auto initiatives like Raahi, they are reclaiming the roads. This isn’t just about transportation; it’s about agency, independence, and a vision of safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban mobility.

As cities look for solutions to pollution, traffic congestion, and gender disparity in employment, one thing is clear: women in e-autos aren’t just driving passengers. They’re driving change.