Women on Wheels: Driving Change Across Andhra Pradesh

On the busy streets of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Nellore, a quiet revolution is taking place. Women armed with electric scooters, autorickshaws, and smartphones are steering their families toward financial independence, one ride at a time.

The initiative is part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ scheme, launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on March 8. Under the programme, the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) partnered with ride-sharing platform Rapido to provide electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers to women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), enabling them to become micro-entrepreneurs.

During the pilot phase, over 1,000 women across nine urban centres benefited from the initiative, including 400 each in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, 50 in Nellore and Guntur, and 25 each in Kurnool, Tirupati, Kakinada, and Rajamahendravaram. About 760 received electric two-wheelers and 240 received electric three-wheelers. Loans are issued in the women’s names, but family members with valid licences can operate vehicles if necessary.

For Lakshmi, a 32-year-old mother of two from Visakhapatnam, the programme has been transformative. “I never imagined I could earn enough to support my children’s education,” she said. “Now, I manage rides daily and contribute to every household expense. My children are proud, and I feel independent.”

Meena, a beneficiary from Nellore, echoed this sentiment. “Driving my own vehicle gives me confidence. I can provide for my family and also set an example for other women in my community. We are not just earning; we are leading.”

The government’s design has made the transition smooth. MEPMA prepared project reports and helped women secure loans from nationalised banks under the Self-Employment Programme (SEP). Rapido provided additional support by waiving onboarding fees for three to four months and offering ₹1,000 monthly EMI assistance during the first year.

Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh said, “Women empowerment is a key focus area of the TDP government. I am happy that we could create this partnership with Rapido and empower over 1,000 women. This is just a start and we will be doing much more.”

Financially, the programme is already showing results. With electric vehicles reducing fuel and maintenance costs, women are saving between ₹13,000 and ₹16,000 per month. Since its launch, the new fleet of women drivers has completed over 45,000 rides and collectively earned up to ₹35 lakh between May and July.

Social entrepreneur Anjali Reddy highlighted the broader impact: “This initiative is not only about income. It’s about mobility, confidence, and the message that women can lead. Seeing these women take charge of their lives inspires others to step forward and claim their place in the economy.”

The government now plans to scale up the initiative to reach 4,800 women by next year. For beneficiaries like Lakshmi and Meena, the programme represents more than financial security—it is a symbol of empowerment. “I am proud to be a woman entrepreneur,” said Meena. “I am changing my family’s future and showing my children what is possible.”

The Andhra Pradesh model illustrates how focused government schemes, private-sector partnerships, and community-driven programmes can create sustainable change. On the streets of these cities, women are not just driving vehicles—they are driving progress, independence, and hope.