Here’s How E-Autos Are Changing Women’s Lives In Kerala Capital

Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited (SCTL), a project launched by the city corporation, aimed at promoting green mode of transportation and creating professional opportunities for women, has proved to be a boon for women drivers.

Recently, six Kudumbashree members were handed out e-auto rickshaws as part of the project. “This is my first time driving an e-rickshaw. It is comfortable to ride and is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Such an initiative by the government will help women get employment and earn a decent livelihood,” Kavitha V, a Kudumbashree worker told The New Indian Express (NIE).

The Kudumbashree district mission coordinator, KR Shaiju, selected the six beneficiaries based on their economic backgrounds and their driving experiences. “Unlike the usual auto rickshaws, e-autos have a different mechanism. Therefore, beneficiaries require special training. After a year of service, the vehicles will be registered under the names of the respective beneficiaries. The e-autos are equipped with automatic gear systems,” KR Shaiju told the newspaper.

Another beneficiary, Daisy, who hails from Vallakadavu, told the NIE, “I have been an auto rickshaw driver for over five years. However, I stopped driving following a surgery. Being a beneficiary, I can drive the e-auto and earn a source of livelihood without worrying about fuel costs.”

The rickshaws can be charged at Gandhi Park in East Fort, where charging stations have been set up. At a time, three can be charged (which takes about two-three hours) and once done, would give a mileage of 80 km.

*All pictures for representational purposes only.