How L&T Finance helped women in Hubballi, Karnataka, to become independent riders

For many young women in smaller cities, mobility often determines opportunity. Getting to college, work, or even running everyday errands independently can shape confidence and access in powerful ways.

With this in mind, L&T Finance recently conducted its ‘Pillion Rider to Rider’ initiative in Hubballi, Karnataka, where more than 100 women were trained to ride two-wheelers.

The programme was conducted at K.L.E. Society's Jagadguru Gangadhar College of Commerce, Hubballi, in partnership with Aatm Nirbhar, a social enterprise that works on women’s mobility training.

The initiative aimed to bridge a simple but powerful gap: helping women move from being pillion riders to becoming riders themselves.

Through hands-on training sessions by professional women trainers, participants learned to ride two-wheelers using beginner-friendly models designed for new riders. For many, this was their first experience controlling a vehicle on their own, and in a way, it meant taking control of their lives too.

The programme went beyond teaching riding skills. L&T Finance ensured that participants received assistance in obtaining an official learner’s licence which is an important step toward possessing a valid, government-issued driving license and completing the entire process.

Recognising that mobility must also come with responsibility, the programme integrated road-safety education into the curriculum. Before receiving their participation certificates, participants attended an intensive Road Safety and Driving session that covered traffic regulations, responsible driving behaviour, and road ethics.

Speaking about the initiative, Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets and Third-Party Products at L&T Finance, said, “At L&T Finance, our role extends far beyond traditional lending; we are the architects of enablement. The 'Pillion Rider to Rider' initiative serves as a powerful testament to our commitment to driving mobility and empowering the next generation to take control of their own journeys. By training over 100 women for two-wheelers, we are ensuring they hit the road as disciplined, safety-conscious riders.”

The initiative also aligns with the company’s strong presence in the two-wheeler financing segment. L&T Finance offers financing solutions that include instant approvals, higher loan eligibility, and EMIs starting at Rs. 2,199 per lakh.

For the women who participated in the initiative, a small shift from the pillion seat to the rider’s seat can change the direction of many journeys. For L&T Finance, the initiative is only the beginning, with plans to expand similar mobility and skill-building programmes for women in other cities in the future.

Watch the impactful Pillion Rider to Rider initiative video here: