Women take the wheel of pink e-autos in coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru: A women-focused transport initiative is opening up new livelihood opportunities in Dakshina Kannada, where pink electric autorickshaws operated by women are now plying in Sullia and Bantwal under Rotary International District 3181’s Sakhi project.

Designed specifically for women drivers, the vehicles aim to advance economic self-reliance while providing women passengers and students with a safer and more dependable travel option. The use of electric autorickshaws also supports environmentally friendly mobility.

The scheme focuses on women experiencing financial difficulties and those who need a stable source of income to support their families. Rather than limiting its role to vehicle distribution, the project seeks to help beneficiaries establish themselves as independent earners and entrepreneurs.

Geetha KR, who lives in Jayanagar in Sullia, is among the beneficiaries. Sullia City Rotary Club extended financial assistance to her and handed over a pink autorickshaw to help her begin earning through the service.

Women to repay the amount with daily earnings

Under the financial arrangement, Rotary provides up to Rs 90,000 towards the vehicle’s initial payment. Women can repay the outstanding amount in convenient instalments from their daily earnings, reducing the immediate financial burden of purchasing an autorickshaw.

Beneficiaries to receive training

The programme also addresses the practical challenges faced by women who have not previously driven vehicles. Specialised driving instruction is provided in collaboration with the Taliru Foundation in Mysuru and TVS Motor Company. Beneficiaries receive legal and technical guidance to complete the process of obtaining driving licences.

Twelve autorickshaws have been distributed under the initiative so far. The Mysuru Metro Rotary Club sponsored the first 10, while Rotary units in Mangaluru and Sullia supported the remaining distributions.

The pink autorickshaws have received encouragement from the public and women’s organisations. Rotary representatives said further vehicles were being planned, with the broader objective of expanding women’s employment, improving passenger confidence and promoting cleaner urban transport.

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