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STREE (Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles.)

Background

Mobility remains one of the most significant constraints for rural women entrepreneurs in India. In Bihar, women in self-help groups (SHGs) often walk several kilometers daily to attend meetings, run businesses, or access markets and services. These time-intensive commutes contribute to “time poverty,” restrict income-generating opportunities, and limit their participation in public life. 

To address this challenge, PCI India launched the STREE project ‘Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles’ to support women’s economic empowerment through sustainable mobility. The project provides electric cargo cycles to SHG women entrepreneurs, enabling them to travel efficiently, reduce daily commuting costs and time, and strengthen their entrepreneurial pursuits.

The project is being implemented in the districts of Patna, Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur in Bihar.

Scope of Intervention

Many women-led microenterprises in rural Bihar such as grocery stores, detergent production, and Didi Ki Rasoi kitchens are constrained by lack of affordable and safe transportation. Women often depend on costly public transport or travel on foot for long distances, limiting their productivity, sales, and access to services.

The STREE project addresses this mobility gap by:

  • Deploying 500 electric cargo cycles to SHG women entrepreneurs.
  • Building a cadre of 50 Energy Champions, trained to promote electric cycles and mentor others.
  • Creating awareness on sustainable transport and fostering social acceptance of women’s mobility.
  • Reducing carbon emissions through adoption of non-polluting transport modes.

Program Lead & Collaborators

Operations of the STREE project is led by PCI India in collaboration with key stakeholders:

  • Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) – Technical support and provision of e-cycles.
  • IIT Bombay – Technical training curriculum development.
  • JEEViKA (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society) – SHG mobilization and local facilitation.
  • Government of Bihar – Policy support and leadership (Pragati Yatra).

 

What We Did

The STREE project is structured around the following components:

  1. Mobilization and Capacity Building
  • Identification of 50 Energy Champions (ECs) from SHGs in Patna and Muzaffarpur.
  • A 5-day intensive training covering electric cycle handling, entrepreneurship, customer service, digital promotion, and road safety.
  • Regular mentoring of ECs to support cycle adoption and awareness campaigns.
  1. Distribution and Usage of E-Cycles
  • E-Cycles were distributed to Energy Champions during the Pragati Yatra on 22nd January 2025 by the Honorable Chief Minister of Bihar.
  • ECs began using e-cycles for business activities such as delivery, market access, and sales expansion.

Outcome

  • 50 Energy Champions trained and equipped with electric cycles.
  • 700+ kilometers traveled by some ECs (e.g., Ruby Rani), saving 1.5–2 hours daily.
  • Up to ₹3,900/month in savings reported due to reduced personal and family transport expenses.
  • Women reporting improved business productivity, less fatigue, and higher autonomy.