Uttar Pradesh has launched the Safe Mobility Program to promote women’s safety, mobility, and livelihood generation through female-led e-rickshaw services. The scheme is aimed at women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and is being implemented under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission with technical support from Development Alternatives. It seeks to provide safe, accessible, and dignified transport for girls and women travelling to schools, workplaces, and other essential destinations.
Programme Objective
The initiative combines women’s empowerment with public transport access. It is designed to create employment for SHG members while improving last-mile connectivity for women and girls. The service is operated exclusively by women drivers, making it a gender-focused mobility model.
Implementation Across Districts
The programme has begun in Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kaushambi, and Jhansi. It will soon expand to Lucknow, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Sonbhadra, Deoria, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur. Around 1,000 e-rickshaws are being provided initially to women from SHGs.
Training and Economic Impact
The scheme has already trained 629 women in operations and issued driving licences to 244 women. A total of 119 women have been empowered as entrepreneurs through e-rickshaw ownership. The average annual income of women associated with the programme has crossed Rs 3 lakh, indicating strong livelihood potential.
Significance for Women’s Safety
The initiative is expected to improve access to schools for girls, ensure safer travel for working women, and create new rural employment opportunities. It also strengthens self-reliance among SHG members by linking mobility services with income generation.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026