- Over 1,000 women in Andhra Pradesh helped through the MEPMA–Rapido scheme, earning Rs 35 lakh in three months.
- Financial support includes subsidies, bank loans, waived platform fees, and easier EMI terms for electric vehicles.
- Vehicles distributed across nine cities, with Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada leading; government plans to grow the scheme.
Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA)–Rapido Empowerment Scheme is changing lives in Andhra Pradesh by helping women earn a living by driving electric vehicles. This new scheme, started under the Chief Minister’s flagship ‘One Family – One Entrepreneur’ programme, has helped over 1,000 women become financially independent while promoting eco-friendly transport. If you want to know how this scheme works and its benefits, keep reading to find out about the financial support, success stories, and future plans.
More than 1,000 women across Andhra Pradesh have started driving electric scooters and autos to earn money. Supported by MEPMA and Rapido, these women have earned Rs 35 lakh together in just three months. The scheme encourages women to become entrepreneurs by giving them access to electric vehicles and easy financing options.
Also Read – Andhra Pradesh Mahashakti Scheme
Financial Benefits and Support
The scheme offers several financial benefits to make it easy and profitable for women drivers. Beneficiaries get government subsidies ranging from Rs 12,300 for electric scooters to Rs 36,000 for electric autos, which lowers the initial cost a lot. MEPMA helps with bank loans to buy these vehicles, while Rapido supports by waiving platform fees for new drivers and offering easier EMI terms. This mix of subsidies, loans, and fee waivers helps women start earning quickly without big upfront costs.
Success Stories: Real-Life Experiences of Women Drivers
Many women have shared how the scheme has changed their lives. Vadlapudi Glory Manju from Vijayawada said, “After finishing housework, I drive Rapido for a few hours and pay the EMI on my vehicle. I am also able to save some money. I feel happy to have gained financial independence.”
Another inspiring story is from Madhavi of Kandrika, Vijayawada, who became the family’s main earner after her husband had a stroke. She shared, “The government’s Rs 6,000 disability pension was not enough. With MEPMA’s help, I bought an Activa and now earn Rs 12,000 a month. That income helps me pay the EMI and run the house.”
These stories show how the scheme not only provides income but also builds confidence and independence among women.
Where the Scheme is Active and Vehicle Distribution
The scheme is running in nine cities across Andhra Pradesh. In the first phase, 760 electric scooters and 240 electric autos were given out. Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada led with 400 vehicles each. Other cities like Nellore and Guntur got about 50 e-scooters each, while Kurnool, Tirupati, Kakinada, and Rajahmundry received 25 vehicles each.
| City | Number of Vehicles Distributed |
|---|---|
| Visakhapatnam | 400 |
| Vijayawada | 400 |
| Nellore | 50 |
| Guntur | 50 |
| Kurnool | 25 |
| Tirupati | 25 |
| Kakinada | 25 |
| Rajahmundry | 25 |
Future Plans and Government Support
Encouraged by the success of the first phase, the Andhra Pradesh government plans to grow the MEPMA–Rapido Empowerment Scheme. Officials say that between May and July, women drivers completed 45,000 rides, showing strong demand and sustainability. HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh praised the scheme as a model for women’s progress and stressed the government’s commitment to helping more women entrepreneurs soon.
If you are a woman in Andhra Pradesh looking for a way to earn on your own, this scheme offers a great chance. Stay updated on official news from MEPMA and think about applying to join this journey of empowerment.