Odisha Accelerates Women’s Mobility Revolution with Launch of “AMA SuVahak”

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to script a new chapter in women-led mobility and entrepreneurship with the launch of the AMA SuVahak – Atmanirbhar Mahila SuVahak scheme. The Commerce & Transport Department on Saturday convened a high-level meeting with SLBC member banks to align implementation strategies and ensure seamless rollout across the state.

The meeting was chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, and attended by Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner, along with senior representatives from leading public and private sector banks.

Padhee described AMA SuVahak as a transformative, empowerment-linked livelihood initiative aimed at bringing gender balance to the driving profession, strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, and ensuring safe and dignified mobility services in Odisha. She urged banks to adopt fast-track loan approvals, simplified paperwork, and dedicated facilitation desks to support aspiring beneficiaries.

Thakur outlined the scheme’s core features, highlighting that women beneficiaries will receive interest-free loans for purchasing Light Motor Vehicles, along with structured driving training, licensing assistance, and access to entrepreneurship opportunities through the Odisha Yatri platform. He assured full support from the Transport Department and district authorities for streamlined onboarding and timely facilitation.

Bank representatives expressed strong commitment to the initiative, agreeing to target-based loan sanctions, simplified norms, and proactive measures to ensure timely disbursal and wider outreach.

Under the scheme, the state plans to create 1,100 AMA SuVahaks over four years—200 in 2025–26, 250 in 2026–27, 300 in 2027–28, and 350 in 2028–29. Eligible women must be 21–40 years of age, have an annual family income below ₹3 lakh, and undergo training at one of Odisha’s four Institutes of Driving Training & Research (IDTRs).

To reduce financial burden, the Government will provide 10% as down payment, bear the interest during the three-month moratorium, cover CGTMSE charges, and support annual interest payments. Beneficiaries will also receive continuous handholding support to ensure sustainable engagement of their vehicles.

Officials noted that AMA SuVahak is poised to not only strengthen women’s financial independence but also create a new cadre of skilled women drivers, contributing to safer mobility, enhanced public service delivery, and inclusive economic growth across Odisha.