Just a few years ago, driving an auto rickshaw was something Shilpa Ramesh Vantekar had never imagined doing. Today, the 43-year-old from Divar Island is one of Goa’s Pink Auto drivers, ferrying women, senior citizens, and schoolchildren — and finding both independence and respect along the way.WOMEN MAKING ROADS SAFEROver the years, these bright pink autos have become a familiar sight on Goa’s roads. Driven by women and catering primarily to women passengers and children, the service, launched in 2022, aims to offer a safer and more comfortable travel option.Shilpa, who is among the first women to drive a pink auto, says, “People now know us and trust us, and that’s a good feeling. We feel a strong sense of responsibility too, and are happy to take women passengers, elderly people, and schoolchildren in our autos.”Nanda Jambotkar, a 52-year-old driver from Corlim in Old Goa, recalls how until a few years ago the idea of women driving autos was still new and unfamiliar.“In the beginning, it was a little scary because everything was new,” she says. “But today I feel very independent. I don’t worry about travelling long distances anymore — I have become confident and self-reliant.”GROWTH OF THE PINK AUTO INITIATIVE
Over 20 pink autos have been moving on the street of Goa.
The Pink Auto initiative started on a small scale with just eight autos, but over the years the numbers have grown. Today, more than 20 pink autos operate across parts of the state, reflecting the trust the service has built among passengers.Driver Shilpa Sawant says their work often runs on advance bookings rather than waiting at a stand. “We don’t have a fixed auto stand, so passengers usually call us directly and book our services for a specific date and time. That’s how we plan our day. The service charges around ₹20 per kilometre,” she says.EMPOWERMENT BEYOND TRANSPORTFor many of these women, the pink auto is more than just a vehicle — it represents a shift in opportunity and perception. What began as a small initiative has become a symbol of empowerment on Goa’s roads.Anuja Arvind Dicholkar, who has been driving a pink auto for the past two years, says, “This work has made me atmanirbhar. I can save money, invest in my children’s education and support my family. But most importantly, the respect I receive from people makes me feel confident.”
