Odisha Pushes Banks to Accelerate AMA SuVahak Loans for Women Drivers
Women-Centric Mobility and Livelihood Initiative Enters Implementation Phase
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Commerce and Transport Department held a key meeting with State-Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) member banks to streamline the rollout of the AMA SuVahak scheme—a flagship livelihood and empowerment programme aimed at increasing women’s participation in the driving profession and strengthening safe mobility in the state.
The meeting, chaired by Commerce and Transport Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, brought together Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur and senior representatives of major public and private sector banks. The discussion focused on ensuring that banking procedures are aligned with the scheme’s goals so that eligible women can access loans smoothly and begin entrepreneurial activities in the transport sector.
Padhee described AMA SuVahak as a transformative initiative designed to promote women’s economic independence and create a gender-balanced workforce in passenger transport. She stressed the need for banks to support the programme through faster loan approvals, simplified documentation, and dedicated help desks to guide applicants. She urged financial institutions to treat the scheme as a priority, given its social and economic impact.
A Livelihood Pathway with Financial and Training Support
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur highlighted the scheme’s financial support package, which includes interest-free loans for the purchase of four-wheel light motor vehicles (LMVs). Alongside loan support, beneficiaries will receive professional driving training, assistance in obtaining licenses, and opportunities to register on the Odisha Yatri platform for steady engagement and income.
The Transport Department and district administrations have committed to full cooperation to ensure that beneficiaries face no procedural hurdles. Banks present at the meeting expressed willingness to support the rollout through target-based loan sanctions and relaxed norms aimed at improving outreach and timely disbursal.
Building a Cadre of 1,100 Women Drivers
The AMA SuVahak scheme aims to create 1,100 trained and licensed women drivers over a four-year period. The annual targets are:
* 200 women drivers in 2025–26
* 250 in 2026–27
* 300 in 2027–28
* 350 in 2028–29
To qualify, applicants must be women aged 21–40, have an annual family income below Rs 3 lakh, and undergo training at one of Odisha’s four Institutes of Driving Training & Research (IDTRs).
The state government will contribute 10 percent of the vehicle cost as down payment, cover the interest during the three-month moratorium period, bear annual interest thereafter, and pay CGTMSE guarantee charges. Additional handholding support—including vehicle engagement opportunities—will help ensure sustainable income for the beneficiaries.
Driving Inclusivity and Economic Empowerment
The state government emphasised that AMA SuVahak is not merely a financial scheme but a pathway to empowerment, offering women stable livelihoods and a professional identity in a sector traditionally dominated by men. By nurturing a skilled female driver workforce, Odisha hopes to strengthen safe, dignified transport while broadening economic participation.
With banks pledging operational support and the government preparing for district-level rollout, the scheme is poised to become a cornerstone of women-led mobility and entrepreneurship in the state.
