B.PAC and CGI Commemorate Women & Transgender Auto Driver Training Initiative, Handing Over 20 Autos to Beneficiaries

Bengaluru, March 22, 2026:

The Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC), in partnership with CGI, marked a significant milestone in its Women & Transgender Auto Drivers Training Program with a celebratory event in Bengaluru.

The event was held in the presence of Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Mujurai, Government of Karnataka, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group.

Driving Change Through Inclusion

The initiative celebrates the journeys of women and transgender individuals who have entered the urban transport sector, challenging stereotypes and building sustainable livelihoods.

350+ beneficiaries trained
Many now actively operate auto rickshaws across Bengaluru
Creating safer, more inclusive mobility solutions

Enabling Livelihoods with Electric Mobility

As part of the event, 20 beneficiaries were awarded electric auto rickshaws, with down payments supported by CGI under its CSR initiative.

This step not only empowers drivers economically but also contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility.

Expanding Across Bengaluru

The program has been implemented across key constituencies, including:

Malleshwara
Rajajinagara
Dasarahalli
BTM Layout
Shantinagara
Mahadevapura

With strong local support, B.PAC now aims to:

Train 1000 women and transgender drivers in the coming year
Scale the initiative into a city-wide program

Building Dignified and Independent Futures

This initiative focuses on more than just employment. It enables:

Financial independence
Social inclusion
Safer commuting experiences
Improved first- and last-mile connectivity

By bringing more women drivers into the ecosystem, it is reshaping Bengaluru’s public transport landscape.

About the Program

The Women & Transgender Auto Drivers Training Program is a structured 60-day initiative designed to enable participants to enter the transport sector as professional drivers.

Key Highlights:

200+ hours of training
Driving skills and road safety
Traffic rules and regulations
Vehicle maintenance basics
Customer engagement and life skills
Financial literacy

Participants also receive:

Support in obtaining licenses
Guidance through regulatory processes
Rental and fuel assistance
Access to vehicles
Post-training handholding

Creating Impact Where It Matters

The program supports individuals from economically vulnerable backgrounds, including:

Single mothers
Widows
Domestic workers
Daily wage earners
Informal sector workers

By equipping them with skills and opportunities, the initiative enables stable, dignified livelihoods while increasing women’s representation in Bengaluru’s transport ecosystem.

Strengthening Bengaluru’s Mobility Ecosystem

Backed by government support, corporate partnerships, and community engagement, the initiative continues to:

Expand inclusive urban mobility
Create sustainable employment
Enhance last-mile connectivity
Build a safer, more equitable city

Voices of Support

Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Mujurai, Government of Karnataka

“We are very happy to see this initiative by B.PAC creating meaningful livelihood opportunities

for women. The Government of Karnataka will extend all possible support to such efforts, including facilitating licences, helping beneficiaries access relevant subsidies, and enabling infrastructure such as EV charging stations for women drivers.

I am also pleased to pledge support from my organisation by donating 10 autos to further strengthen this initiative.”

Revathy Ashok, CEO, B.PAC

“Economic empowerment is one of the most powerful drivers of social change. Programs like this by B.PAC demonstrate how partnerships between civil society, government, and the corporate sector can create meaningful opportunities for women and transgender persons.

It is inspiring to see these drivers stepping into roles that not only support their families but also contribute to building a more inclusive and progressive Bengaluru.

We started with 15 women, and today we have trained over 400 women, and we want to train around 1000 women this year.”

Sudhir Sharma, Senior Vice President, CGI

“At CGI, we believe that true progress is driven by inclusive growth. This initiative reflects how collaborative efforts can create meaningful livelihood opportunities while promoting dignity, independence, and sustainability.

We are proud to support a program that is enabling women and transgender individuals to become active contributors to Bengaluru’s mobility ecosystem.”

Jennifer Mecheripaddy, Senior Vice President, CGI

“This initiative is not just about skill development, but about enabling confidence, financial independence, and social inclusion.

Seeing these women and transgender drivers step forward and transform their lives is truly inspiring, and it reinforces our commitment to supporting such impactful community programs.”

Kumari, Beneficiary

“As a single mother, this program has given me a dignified way to support my family. Today, I feel proud and independent.”