Kanta Chauhan Becomes Jalandhar's First Woman Bike Taxi Driver

34-year-old Kanta Chauhan has become the first woman bike taxi driver in Jalandhar. But what compelled her to do so? She wanted her children to have good education and a better lifestyle.

In an interview with The Tribune, she revealed that she wanted to fend for herself and her family which motivated her to take up the job. She explained that this was her first job and she is quite elated because of the flexible working hours that the job provides. She will now be able to juggle between her job and personal responsibilities immaculately.

Kanta works for about 4-5 hours every day. She has ferried over 50-60 passengers in the last three days.

How she did it

Kanta is a resident of Pratap Bagh. She used to work as a home tutor previously. She was, however, looking for another job as well. She then got to know bike-taxi driving was a job she could take up. "Finally, I managed to secure an interview appointment at Rapido bike taxi services. Managers of the company to suspend their disbelief asked me twice if I have thought through my decision to take up the job."

34-year-old Kanta Chauhan has become the first woman bike taxi driver in Jalandhar. She wanted to give her children good education and a better lifestyle.

Kanta revealed that the managers were apprehensive to hire her because they weren't sure if a woman would be fit for this kind of job.

"However, when they found out that I possess LMV license, they instantly offered the job to me and I started working on the same day,” said Kanta.

Kanta ferries her passengers around Jalandhar fearlessly. A lot of people express their disbelief on seeing a woman bike taxi driver. However, a lot of them praise her for the grit she has been showing.

Enamored by the confidence she exhibited, a woman passenger even hugged her before starting her ride. She wears her helmet with pride.

Also: Karnal’s First Woman Bus Driver Shares Her Challenging Journey

Role of mother and husband

Kanta's mother had played a monumental role in pushing her to make offbeat choices in life. Though she is no more, her words continue to inspire her. She also credits her husband who motivated her to take up the job. He works as an auto-rickshaw driver. Enamored by the confidence she exhibited, a woman passenger even hugged her before starting her ride. She wears her helmet with pride.

Breaking barriers, not rules, on the road

Another such inspiring story is that of Shruti Kaushik, who started SheCab, and thus introduced female cab drivers in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Saheli Trust, an NGO Shruti started in 2013 for women’s empowerment, operates SheCab.