On International Women’s Day, inDrive’s women drivers collaborated with the Chandigarh Traffic Police to promote road safety awareness. The initiative included a dedicated session on traffic rules, followed by a bike rally where key messages such as ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ were shared with the public. The event encouraged safer driving practices and reinforced the importance of wearing helmets. Additionally, inDrive distributed helmets to female riders who were not wearing them. The company has been actively supporting women in the transportation sector through various initiatives, including its ‘Driving Naari’ program. This program provides professional training, GPS-enabled EV scooters, and self-defense training to women looking to pursue a career in driving. With a presence in 888 cities across 48 countries, inDrive continues to make significant contributions to mobility and urban services. The partnership with Chandigarh Traffic Police underscores its commitment to safer roads and gender empowerment in the transport sector.
1. Introduction to inDrive’s Business Model
1.1 Working Model
inDrive operates as a global ride-hailing platform that allows passengers and drivers to negotiate fares directly. Unlike other ride-sharing services with fixed pricing, inDrive gives drivers and passengers the flexibility to agree on a mutually acceptable price. This unique approach ensures fairer earnings for drivers and affordability for passengers.
1.2 Revenue Model
inDrive earns revenue through a commission-based model. While the platform initially charged zero commission to attract drivers, it now takes a nominal percentage from each completed ride. The company also diversifies its earnings through logistics, courier services, and intercity transportation, offering additional sources of income.
1.3 Funding and Founders
Founded in 2012 by Arsen Tomsky, inDrive started as a social initiative in Russia to counter high taxi fares. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged mobility platform. The company has secured multiple rounds of funding, including backing from global investors. In 2023, inDrive launched ‘New Ventures,’ its venture and M&A arm, to expand its portfolio.
1.4 Services and Offerings
inDrive provides a wide range of services beyond ride-hailing, including intercity travel, freight transportation, task assistance, and urban mobility solutions. The company continues to innovate, integrating technology and community-driven initiatives to create a safer and more inclusive transportation ecosystem.
2. The Women Drivers Initiative with Chandigarh Traffic Police
2.1 Awareness Campaign on Road Safety
On March 6, 2025, inDrive’s women drivers, in collaboration with Chandigarh Traffic Police, participated in an awareness drive to educate citizens about road safety. The initiative began with a dedicated session where police officers briefed inDrive drivers about traffic regulations, safe driving practices, and emergency response techniques.
2.2 Bike Rally for Road Safety Awareness
Following the session, a bike rally was conducted by women drivers. The rally, flagged off by Inspector Dr. Parvesh Sharma of the Chandigarh Traffic Police, aimed to spread critical road safety messages, including adherence to traffic rules, helmet usage, and the dangers of drunk driving.
2.3 Helmet Distribution Drive
As part of the initiative, inDrive distributed helmets to female riders who were found without proper safety gear. This step reinforced the importance of wearing helmets to reduce accident-related fatalities and injuries.
3. Driving Naari: Empowering Women Drivers
3.1 Introduction to the Driving Naari Program
inDrive’s ‘Driving Naari’ program is a flagship initiative aimed at providing underprivileged women with an opportunity to become professional drivers. The program currently supports 30 women 15 from Chandigarh and 15 from Kolkata—by offering free training and resources.
3.2 Key Benefits for Women Drivers
Participants receive GPS-enabled EV scooters, professional driving training, and assistance in obtaining a driver’s license. The program also covers vehicle maintenance costs and ensures zero service fees for the women drivers, allowing them to earn more.
3.3 Safety Measures and Support
To enhance security, inDrive provides its female drivers with a 24/7 special helpline, medical insurance, self-defense training, road safety training, and emergency medical kits. These measures make driving a viable career choice for women while ensuring their safety on the roads.
4. Industry Insights and Trends
4.1 Women in the Gig Economy
Women’s participation in the gig economy has been steadily increasing, particularly in the ride-hailing sector. With initiatives like ‘Driving Naari,’ more women are taking up driving as a profession, breaking traditional gender norms.
4.2 Rise of Safety Initiatives in Mobility Services
Mobility companies are prioritizing safety by implementing specialized training programs, panic buttons, and emergency response systems. inDrive’s collaboration with Chandigarh Traffic Police is part of a growing trend to ensure safer transportation services.
4.3 Government Support for Women in Transportation
Indian authorities have been promoting women’s participation in the transport sector through subsidies, skill development programs, and policy incentives. inDrive’s initiatives align with these broader governmental efforts.
5. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
5.1 Empowering Communities Through Social Initiatives
Startups should consider community-driven initiatives as part of their growth strategy. Programs like ‘Driving Naari’ enhance brand reputation while addressing real-world challenges.
5.2 Adapting Business Models for Inclusivity
Building a flexible and fair pricing model, as seen with inDrive, can provide businesses with a competitive advantage and improve customer satisfaction.
5.3 Partnerships for Greater Impact
Collaborating with public authorities, like inDrive’s partnership with Chandigarh Traffic Police, strengthens a company’s credibility and enhances its reach.
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