This Independence Day, yellow would splash the roads besides the innumerable Tricolours.

At least 15 women will drive autorickshaws — to be painted yellow instead of black with yellow strip — on August 15 to realise their dream of financial independence.

“A final decision is to be taken by the regional transport authority regarding the colour but we propose the vehicles operated by the women to be fully yellow. This will distinguish the women-driven autorickshaws from the regular ones. The female drivers will have a special set of uniform unlike the male drivers. A final decision on these proposals will be taken in the next two months,” an official of the district administration told The Telegraph.

Sources said more than 30 women have already signed up to receive training to become professional autorickshaw drivers.

Rajkumar Jha, the general secretary of the Bihar State Autorickshaw Drivers’ Association and Patna District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Association, said: “The female drivers would start driving the three-seat autorickshaws from August 15. The plan started slowly but has gained popularity. At present, more than 30 women are being trained. On Independence Day, at least 15 women drivers will take out their autos. The district administration and the transport office are working on the plan.”

The two associations are also playing an active role in the training. At present, two kinds of training sessions are on.

“On Sundays and Wednesdays, training sessions are conducted at the Veterinary College grounds from 3pm to 6pm. The other training is for women, who have grasped the basic driving skills. These trainees come down to a pre-paid autorickshaw stand at 6am for a practical training. They accompany a driver and pick up passengers to get acquainted with the different roads, traffic signs and others. The trainees also take turns to drive the vehicle. At present, around 13 are being trained. We have made arrangements for their pick-up as well. The session is conducted from 6am to 9am. The trainees are also paid a cut from the trip fare,” Jha added.