At Singaram X Roads in Narayanpet district, a group of women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has achieved what was once unlikely, running a full-fledged petrol station entirely on their own. Inaugurated on February 21, 2025, in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, this is the first fuel station in the state to be managed completely by women, handling everything from filling fuel to accounts and day-to-day operations.

In just a few months, the DRDA ZMS Filling Station has recorded profits of over ₹15.5 lakh. Every day, it sells close to 4,000 litres of petrol, earning ₹2.5–3 lakh in monthly profits, while building customer trust through transparent and efficient service.

For Chandrakala, the station manager, the journey has been transformative. “I never imagined I would lead a team and manage such a big responsibility. Today, I feel proud that we are showing what women can achieve if given the opportunity,” she says. She now earns ₹18,000 a month while leading a team of 10 women staff. The project began when the District Collector encouraged the District Mahila Samakhya to take up the challenge.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) invested ₹1.10 crore, while the State Government allotted land and provided infrastructure support. The women’s federation raised an additional ₹35 lakh loan to make the venture possible.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced that the initiative would be expanded to all districts and constituencies under the Indira Mahila Shakti Policy, which aims to empower one crore women across Telangana.

From once being hesitant to step outside their homes, these women now manage a venture that fuels both vehicles and aspirations. The Narayanpet women-run petrol station stands as a symbol of dignity, confidence, and progress, showing that when given the chance, women can lead, manage, and excel in any field.