Cholan Tours, one of India’s leading Destination Management Companies, has launched a pioneering Women E-Auto Program in Madurai, the temple city of India. The initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for local women while promoting clean, eco-friendly urban transportation.
With over two decades of experience, Cholan Tours has grown from a small South India-based travel agency into a nationally respected tourism organisation. Serving thousands of domestic and international travellers annually, the company offers curated travel experiences, end-to-end logistics, and ground-handling services, along with specially crafted India Tours for authentic and immersive journeys.
Renowned for its reliable service network, industry expertise, and commitment to responsible tourism, Cholan Tours has consistently worked to give back to society. The company’s dedication to quality and community welfare has earned it five National Tourism Awards and four Tamil Nadu State Tourism Awards, reflecting its longstanding contribution to India’s tourism landscape.
As part of its mission to promote responsible and inclusive tourism, Cholan Tours has supported 20 women from Madurai in starting careers as trained E-Auto drivers. The participants were identified and trained in collaboration with MOWO (Moving Women), an NGO dedicated to ensuring women’s safe mobility. The comprehensive training program included vehicle operation, soft skills, customer service, and basic tourism orientation, preparing the women to provide safe, reliable, and informative rides for both visitors and residents.
Speaking at the launch, Pandian Kumaravel, Founder & Managing Director of Cholan Tours, said:
“After more than two decades in the travel industry, I wanted to give back to the community I come from. Women in our society are respected for their strength and resilience. This program is our small step toward creating opportunities for the women of Madurai and encouraging a more inclusive future.”
Emphasising that the initiative is purely social and not-for-profit, he added:
“A small drop maketh an ocean. We hope this effort inspires wider support for women-led tourism and mobility solutions across Madurai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.”
The launch event on 22 November 2025 was attended by Ms Jai Bharati, Founder of MOWO, along with Pandian Kumaravel, Mrs Mythily Pandian, and members of the Cholan Tours team.
