Bhubaneswar, November 15: The Commerce and Transport Department on Saturday convened a meeting with the State-Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) member banks for the successful launch and implementation of ‘AMA SuVahak - Atmanirbhar Mahila SuVahak,’ scheme to empower women as taxi entrepreneurs.
The meeting was chaired by department Secretary Usha Padhee. Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur and senior representatives from leading public and private sector banks attended the meeting.
The scheme aims 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. Women between 21-40 years, with annual family income below Rs 3 lakh, and trained at any of the four Institutes of Driving Training & Research (IDTRs) in Odisha can be eligible for the scheme.
The Government will provide 10 per cent as down payment, pay interest during the three-month moratorium, cover CGTMSE charges, and bear the annual interest, in addition to offering handholding support to ensure regular engagement of vehicles.
Padhee said that, “AMA SuVahak is a transformative empowerment-linked livelihood initiative aimed at bringing gender balance to the driving profession, promoting women entrepreneurship, and ensuring safe, dignified mobility in Odisha.”
“I urge banks to adopt fast-track loan processing, simplified documentation, and dedicated facilitation desks to support women beneficiaries,” said Padhee.
Transport Commissioner Thakur highlighted that the scheme offers interest-free loans for purchasing four-wheelers (LMVs), along with assistance for licensing, structured driving training, and entrepreneurship opportunities through the Odisha Yatri platform.
Banks expressed strong support and agreed to extend financing through target-based loan sanctions, simplified norms, and actionable steps to ensure timely disbursal and improved outreach.
The Department noted that AMA SuVahak will not only ensure financial independence for women but also build a new cadre of skilled women drivers, contributing to safer mobility and inclusive economic growth across Odisha.
