Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 – In a progressive move aimed at empowering women through economic opportunity and safer public mobility, the Odisha government is all set to launch the ‘Ama Su Vahak’ scheme. This new initiative will provide interest-free loans to eligible women to help them purchase four-wheeler taxis, opening doors for self-employment in the transportation sector.
Announced by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the scheme marks a major step forward in inclusive growth, gender equality, and green transport innovation in the state.
Key Features of the ‘Ama Su Vahak’ Scheme
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Eligibility: Women aged between 21 to 40 years, with an annual family income of up to ₹3 lakh.
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Loan Support: Interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh for purchasing taxis.
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Repayment: The loan will be repayable over 5 years, with the state government bearing the 11% annual interest.
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EV Incentive: Women opting for electric vehicles (EVs) will receive an additional ₹2 lakh incentive, alongside road tax and registration fee exemptions, as per the Odisha EV Policy.
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Beneficiaries: The scheme aims to support 1,100 women over four years:
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200 in Year 1
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250 in Year 2
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300 in Year 3
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350 in Year 4
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Target Groups: Priority will be given to:
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Women already working as government bus drivers
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Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
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Beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana
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Empowering Women Through Mobility
‘Ama Su Vahak’ is not just a transportation scheme—it’s a powerful tool for social and economic transformation.
By enabling women to own and operate taxis, the initiative:
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Boosts financial independence and entrepreneurship
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Helps break traditional gender barriers in a male-dominated sector
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Encourages safe public transport options for women by women
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Builds confidence and leadership among women drivers
The government estimates that over 6,000 trained women drivers, many of whom were trained under existing driving institutes across the state, stand to benefit from this program in the coming years.
A Green Drive for the Future
In line with global and national efforts to transition towards clean mobility, the ‘Ama Su Vahak’ scheme also promotes eco-friendly transport. By incentivizing electric vehicles, the government is:
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Reducing carbon emissions and urban pollution
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Supporting the state’s Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy
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Making EVs more accessible and affordable for women entrepreneurs
Funding and Support
The total financial outlay for the scheme is estimated at ₹46.66 crore, which will be allocated from the Mukhyamantri Sadak Surakshya Bhittibhumi Unnayana Yojana—a state government initiative to improve road safety and infrastructure development.
Conclusion: A Roadmap to Empowerment and Sustainability
The ‘Ama Su Vahak’ scheme reflects Odisha’s forward-thinking approach to inclusive development. By integrating women’s empowerment, financial support, and sustainable mobility, the state is not only addressing unemployment but also creating a model of equitable and green urban transport.
As these women take the wheel, they will not only drive vehicles but also steer their families and communities toward a better future.