In Narayanpet, a significant milestone for women’s empowerment has been achieved. The Narayanpet District Mahila Samakhya has made history by launching India’s first petrol station run entirely by women. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated this initiative on February 21 at Singaram X Roads. This project is a key part of the state’s Indira Mahila Shakti Policy.
This policy aims to empower one crore women across Telangana. It is evident in Narayanpet, where women have transitioned from household roles to becoming entrepreneurs.
The petrol station was set up with Rs 1.30 crore, which includes Rs 15 lakh for infrastructure. It operates under a 20-year lease with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for Rs 10,000 per month.
The Narayanpet District Mahila Samakhya includes 8,196 self-help groups (SHGs), totaling 91,369 women members. Seven experienced SHG members received training at Jadcherla and Shadnagar petrol stations before taking on management roles. The team consists of six saleswomen earning Rs 13,200 monthly and a manager receiving Rs 18,000, all paid by the district federation.
The station sells 4,000 liters of petrol and 6,000 liters of diesel daily. The district collector reviews its performance every two weeks, following the Chief Minister’s instructions. In just six months, the women’s group has earned a profit of Rs 15.50 lakh, proving the success of women-led businesses in male-dominated fields.
“This isn’t just a petrol station; it’s a symbol of change,” noted a senior district official. “It demonstrates what women can achieve with proper support and opportunities.”
The success in Narayanpet has inspired interest in other districts, with federations considering similar projects. It highlights the strength of collective action, skill development, and policy-driven entrepreneurship.
The Narayanpet model provides a blueprint for economically empowering women and changing gender roles in public enterprises. This petrol station is more than a business; it’s a movement.
