An Ola passenger shared an inspiring story of a woman cab driver in Ahmedabad on social media. In a Facebook post, user Ojas Desai shared his experience of meeting a remarkable woman cab driver, Archna Patil, during a trip to the city.

Desai, who booked an Ola cab to reach the railway station, was surprised when a woman driver arrived to pick him up. Although he had seen women operating auto rickshaws, this was his first encounter with a woman cab driver, and the experience left a lasting impact on him.

“Today in Ahmedabad, I booked an Ola Cab to reach the railway station. The confirmation message mentioned the name of the driver as Archna Patil,” he wrote in his post.

Desai described the challenging drive through the old city of Ahmedabad, navigating heavy traffic, and expressed admiration for Patil’s skill behind the wheel.

“To drive to Ahmedabad Railway Station through the old city and to negotiate through heavy and indisciplined traffic is always a task. I was more than impressed. After all, this was my first instance of encountering a female driver in Ola or Uber. In my city Surat, I have seen female auto drivers but, I have never used the services of a female driver in Ola or Uber,” he said.

Desai noted that while women drivers in ride-hailing services are rare, Patil’s story is what truly sets her apart.

Patil’s journey began when her husband, who was also an Ola driver, could no longer work due to health issues. Faced with the burden of a loan for the cab, she decided to take responsibility for herself.

Despite not knowing how to ride a bicycle, she learned to drive within six months and obtained her driving licence.

“She didn’t even know how to ride a bicycle. In 6 months, she learned to drive and obtained a licence.”

In his post, Desai shared how moved he was by Patil’s resilience: “I don’t wish to highlight this as an example of women’s power or as something as a proof of ‘changing society.’ I met a spirited soul today who didn’t consider bad fortune as defeat.”

Desai concluded his post by saying he saved Patil’s number, acknowledging the tough journey she had been through.

Take a look at the post here:

Patil’s determination to support her family in the face of adversity has resonated with thousands of social media users.

Archna Patil’s story not only reflects her personal strength but also serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.