Namma Yatri Launches Namma Driver Welfare Trust to Give Back to the Drivers of Karnataka

2025-07-15 03:25:36 News & Society

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Bengaluru, June 25, 2025 - At the second edition of Namma Sarathi Sangama (NSS), an annual gathering that celebrates Bengaluru's mobility champions, Namma Yatri announced the launch of the Namma Driver Welfare Trust (NDWT) a first-of-its-kind, community-powered initiative focused on the long-term well-being of Namma Yatri drivers across Karnataka.

Conceptualised as a way to stand by the people who keep the city moving, the Trust will be funded through a fixed contribution of 2% of Namma Yatri's revenue. It is designed as a legally registered, independently governed entity, built to offer sustained financial and social support for drivers and their families - beyond incentives, beyond performance.

At the heart of NDWT lies a commitment to holistic driver welfare. The Trust will enable programs around accident and medical support, educational scholarships, access to financial tools, and more. These offerings will evolve in consultation with driver representatives and experts, to stay rooted in real, everyday needs.

Speaking at the event, Ramalinga Reddy, Honourable Transport Minister of Karnataka, said, "This event is a significant step towards supporting the drivers of Namma Yatri and their long-term welfare. The launch of the Namma Driver Welfare Trust is a commendable initiative, one that recognises the hard work of these drivers and provides them with greater security and support. I'm proud to see such positive and people-first change taking root in our city's transport system."

Shan M S, Co-Founder of Namma Yatri, added, "This Trust isn't about reward, it's about responsibility. From the very beginning, we have seen drivers not just as partners, but as people who carry the weight of the city every single day. Their challenges aren't seasonal, and our support shouldn't be either. With the Namma Driver Welfare Trust, we are building a safety net that's community-powered, independently governed, and future-facing. This Trust is our way of saying: we see you, we value you, and we'll stand by you. Not just as a platform, but as a people-first movement."

The trust will be governed by an independent committee, which includes elected driver representatives to ensure transparency and an external advisory committee that will provide additional oversight, ensuring full accountability and transparency through regular audits. This structure guarantees that the trust operates transparently and in the best interest of its members.

The launch event also honoured top-performing drivers for their contributions to building a safer, more dependable transport ecosystem in Bengaluru. As part of the operational rollout, Namma Yatri will soon conduct zonal ceremonies across the city, recognising standout drivers in their own neighbourhoods keeping the focus local, inclusive, and grounded.

NDWT will begin accepting member applications in July and will be fully operational by August 15, 2025.

About Namma Yatri:

Namma Yatri is India's leading open mobility platform, dedicated to empowering drivers through a direct-to-driver model. Built on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), Namma Yatri offers a transparent, commission-free ecosystem that ensures affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation solutions. With a commitment to driver welfare and community-first principles, Namma Yatri has revolutionised urban mobility by providing drivers with the tools and resources to improve their livelihoods, while also delivering exceptional service to commuters.