- A new scheme by Rapido and MEPMA benefited more than 1,000 women in Andhra Pradesh
- Launched on March 8, Women's Day, it allows women to earn and gain independence
- The scheme also adopts Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's concept of "One Family, One Entrepreneur"
A pilot initiative involving the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) and bicycle aggregator Rapido has empowered over 1,000 women in Andhra Pradesh.
Launched on 8th March, International Women's Day, the program has already helped participants to take over 45,000 rides and earn a total of Rs 35 lakh by providing mobility services on Rapido.
The program aligns with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's "One Family, One Entrepreneur" vision for promoting household-level entrepreneurship.
Under the project, MEPMA provided access to electric two- and three-wheelers to SHG women and their families in nine urban centers, such as Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Nellore. The loans were given in the names of SHG women with the flexibility for authorized family members to use the vehicles.
To relieve the cash burden, MEPMA facilitated loan acquisition under the Self-Employment Programme (SEP) and Rapido waived onboarding charges along with providing EMI support for one year.
Out of 1,003 women and families who were impacted, 688 registered themselves directly with Rapido.
Emphasizing the initiative, HRD & IT Minister Nara Lokesh said, "Women empowerment has always been a core focus of TDP. This collaboration with Rapido is not merely about mobility—it is about opportunity, dignity, and hope."
For women like her, the scheme has been transformative. Vadlapudi Glory Manju of Vijayawada, who purchased a scooter using government aid, now makes around Rs 10,000 every month by traveling in her spare time.
"This scooter is not merely a transport vehicle—it is my freedom, my strength, and the future of my children," she declared.
Even Madhavi of Kandrika, Vijayawada, approached the programme after her husband had paralysis. With the support of MEPMA and a subsidy of Rs 16,000, she purchased an Activa scooter and now earns extra income for her family with Rapido.
Another beneficiary, Badisa Bhavani from Vijayawada, took charge of her family’s livelihood after her husband became bedridden.
With an e-scooter provided under the scheme, she now earns Rs 500–700 daily. “I’ll continue this journey with pride,” she shared.
On an average, the program helps women save Rs 13,000 to Rs 16,000 per month with a mix of loans, subsidies, and investments from Rapido.
The success of the program has moved the Andhra Pradesh government to expand the program to reach 4,800 women by next year.
