A new women-only auto service, Sakhi, has launched in Bengaluru, with the goal of making daily travel safer and more comfortable for women. The platform, which began operations on February 14, currently has 50 autorickshaws, all driven by women drivers. It exclusively accepts bookings from women passengers, positioning itself as a secure alternative in the city’s ride-hailing ecosystem.

Safer Travel for Women

The initiative is designed to address a common concern among women commuters — the need to remain constantly alert while travelling. By offering rides “by women, for women,” Sakhi aims to reduce that underlying anxiety.

For drivers like Vinutha, a differently-abled woman in her thirties who previously worked in a garment factory, the platform represents a positive change. She has been driving an autorickshaw for two years and says that while she enjoys her profession, there have been uncomfortable experiences with male passengers. Being part of a women-centric transport service now provides her with a greater sense of security and dignity at work.

Women commuters also believe such services can make a difference. Amruta P., a law student in the city, shared that even though she has not encountered serious incidents during late-night travel, she routinely shares her live location with family or friends as a precaution. A dedicated women-only ride service, she says, could ease the mental stress that often accompanies travel during odd hours.

The Vision Behind Sakhi

Founder Krishnavi Parekh said the idea was born out of recognizing how many women feel compelled to stay vigilant while commuting. The platform seeks to eliminate that constant sense of caution by creating a transportation network exclusively for women — both behind the wheel and in the passenger seat.

The fare structure is set at ₹50 for the first two kilometres and ₹20 for each additional kilometre. At present, drivers receive the entire fare amount. However, the company may introduce a commission-based model in the future.

Competition and Growth Challenges

While the women-only model sets Sakhi apart, some residents question how quickly users will shift from established ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Ola, which already dominate the on-demand transport space. Concerns remain about availability if driver numbers do not scale up quickly.

Bengaluru resident Jaya Rajeev noted that immediate availability is crucial for commuters. If a ride is not accessible when needed, many users may opt for alternative services.

In response, Parekh acknowledged that the start-up is still in its early stages but expressed optimism about expansion. She cited strong engagement on social media, steady inquiries through booking channels, and interest from customers who want to subscribe for regular office commutes as encouraging signs.

Early Response and Future Plans

During its pilot phase, drivers reported receiving around 20 bookings per week, suggesting growing demand for safe transportation for women. Parekh also pointed to similar initiatives in cities like Gurugram that have received positive responses, reinforcing confidence in the model.

Beyond safety, the platform promotes a sense of empowerment and solidarity among women. According to Parekh, the comfort and mutual understanding shared between women drivers and passengers could foster long-term loyalty to the service.

Currently, bookings are accepted through the company’s website and a dedicated WhatsApp number. The team plans to launch a mobile app within the next month, aiming to make the women-focused mobility service more accessible across Bengaluru.