Karnataka to establish India's first state-run women's driving institute in Bidadi

The Karnataka government announced on Wednesday its decision to establish the country's first state-run Women’s Driver Training Institute at the Bidadi Industrial Area, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This landmark initiative is aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment, increasing their active participation in the transport sector, and significantly improving their employment opportunities.

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced the decision while chairing a meeting with senior officials of the state Transport Department. During the announcement, the Minister emphasized that this upcoming institute represents the very first initiative of its kind to be established by any state government across the country.

To facilitate the project, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has been tasked with developing the necessary infrastructure. The BMTC will be responsible for constructing the main building of the institute, setting up a dedicated driving track, and building other essential facilities that will be used exclusively by the women trainees.

The establishment of the institute will be funded and set up through a joint partnership involving the Central Government and the Karnataka state government.

For the educational and training components, the government is partnering with the Association Of Women Entrepreneurs Of Karnataka (AWAKE). As a dedicated women entrepreneurs’ organisation, AWAKE will take charge of providing the skill-based training programmes. These will include comprehensive professional driver training as well as other vocational courses designed to boost job prospects for women.

According to transport officials, the trainees at the institute will be taught how to drive all types of vehicles. Officials added that while the decision has been finalized, the specific modalities and operational guidelines for the training sessions are still being worked out.