In a pioneering move, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has partnered with Zomato to launch Project Arya, an initiative aimed at empowering women through self-help groups (SHGs) in the food delivery sector. Launched on March 5, 2025, in Mulund, the project aligns with International Women’s Day celebrations and seeks to foster financial independence and entrepreneurial skills among women.

BMC is the first municipal body in India to collaborate with a food delivery platform for such a project. Under ‘Project Arya,’ women will receive training in two-wheeler riding, self-defence, and app-based food delivery. They will also benefit from accident and maternity insurance, family coverage, menstrual leave, and scholarships for their children.

Initially, 30 to 40 women were trained, with 15 selected in the first phase. The initiative will gradually expand across Mumbai. Zomato will provide safety gear and registration assistance for the women.

This initiative aims to break gender barriers while enhancing financial independence for women from underprivileged backgrounds. As Mumbai’s fast-paced lifestyle fuels the demand for food delivery, ‘Project Arya’ offers a unique opportunity for women to step into a traditionally male-dominated industry.