The Women Safety Wing (WSW), Telangana Police, today launched “STHREE RIDE”, a mobility-based livelihood initiative designed to create employment opportunities for women in the transportation sector. The programme was formally inaugurated and the first batch of women drivers flagged off by Sri. CV Anand, Director General of Police, Head of Police Force, Telangana.

As part of the inaugural phase, 55 women drivers have been onboarded and connected with mobility service providers through both gig-worker and full-time employment models, marking the beginning of a new pathway for women’s participation in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

STHREE RIDE has been conceptualized as a women empowerment initiative that combines livelihood support with social transformation. The programme aims to create dignified and sustainable income opportunities for women while promoting their visibility, confidence and participation in public spaces. By enabling women to enter the mobility sector as professional drivers, the initiative seeks to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and open new avenues for economic independence.

Addressing the gathering, the DGP Telangana stated that women’s safety and women’s empowerment are deeply interconnected and that economic independence is one of the strongest forms of empowerment. He noted that the women participating in the first batch are pioneers who will inspire many others across the State to explore non-traditional livelihood opportunities.

The initiative is presently being implemented in the Commissionerate areas of the State Capital Region. Based on operational experience and outcomes, the programme is envisaged to be expanded progressively across Telangana, enabling women from urban, semi-urban and rural areas to access opportunities in the growing mobility sector.

In its current phase, STHREE RIDE focuses on passenger transportation services. Future expansion plans include collaboration with logistics and cargo service providers, creating additional employment opportunities for women drivers in delivery and transportation services.

The Women Safety Wing has been at the forefront of several innovative interventions for women and child safety and empowerment, including Bharosa Centres, SHE Teams, CDEW, SAHAS, Pride Place and community-based safety initiatives. STHREE RIDE represents a natural extension of this vision by addressing economic empowerment as a critical component of women’s well-being and resilience.

The Telangana Police expressed its appreciation to all partner organizations and mobility aggregators supporting the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to creating safe, inclusive and empowering opportunities for women across the State.

“STHREE RIDE is not merely a transport initiative; it is a movement towards confidence, independence and economic empowerment for women.”