The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) successfully hosted the convocation ceremony for Project Sakhi, an initiative undertaken in partnership with BluSmart, South Asia’s largest all-electric ride-hailing service and EV charging infrastructure network, and supported by the SIDBI Swavalamban Foundation to empower women as skilled electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Held at the Driver Training Institute, Burari, Delhi, the event marked a significant milestone in fostering gender inclusivity in India’s mobility sector.
As part of this program, ASDC today awarded certificates to nearly 50 women from underprivileged backgrounds who have now been placed with BluSmart, across Delhi-NCR, while another batch of 50 women continue their three-month training. This program includes comprehensive driver skills training to equip women with the skills and knowledge required for safe and efficient driving. BluSmart further provides these driver partners with knowledge sessions on unique features and benefits of EVs. This thus empowers the driver partners with not just hard core skills of driving but in building their holistic understanding of the space that they operate in. Together, they are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry and paving the way for a more diverse and equitable workforce in the mobility sector.
Project ‘Sakhi’, supported by the SIDBI Swavalamban Foundation (SSF), not only promotes financial independence but also contributes to the broader goal of gender inclusivity in the mobility sector. By offering industry-aligned training and hands-on experience, the programs like Project Sakhi and Nayi Raah bridge gender disparities and make way for a future-ready workforce.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice-President, ASDC, emphasized the impact of skill development in transforming lives. He stated, “Project Sakhi is more than just a training program—it is a transformative step towards women’s empowerment and self-reliance. By equipping women with essential skills, we are not only enabling them to secure sustainable employment but also fostering their confidence to excel in non-traditional roles. When women become financially independent, they uplift their families and communities, driving broader economic and social progress. ASDC remains dedicated to expanding such initiatives, ensuring that more women break barriers and build thriving careers in the EV and automotive sectors.”
Commenting on the initiative, Anirudh Arun, CEO – BluSmart Fleet, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusive mobility. He said, “At BluSmart, we believe that true progress comes from empowering women and providing them with opportunities to thrive in industries where they have been underrepresented. Project Sakhi is a testament to the potential of skill development in creating not just employment for our 150+ women driver partners but lasting change. We thank ASDC for their partnership in driving the industry forward, fostering meaningful change, and expanding employment opportunities in electric mobility.
The convocation ceremony brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and training partners, reaffirming their collective commitment to closing the gender gap in the automotive workforce. The initiative aligns with Delhi’s vision for sustainable urban mobility and the national agenda for green transport solutions, equipping women with the expertise to contribute to India’s growing electric mobility ecosystem.
With continued industry collaborations and policy support, ASDC aims to scale similar programs, enabling more women to enter skilled roles within the automotive and transportation sectors.
