Mumbai Auto Driver’s Viral Fame Ends Lucrative Side Hustle

A Mumbai autorickshaw driver’s clever side business, which earned him up to Rs 8 lakh monthly, came to an abrupt halt after gaining widespread attention online. The driver had capitalized on a unique opportunity outside the US Consulate in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), where strict security measures prohibited visa applicants from bringing bags inside. Recognizing the lack of storage options, he offered a secure bag-holding service, parking his autorickshaw nearby to cater to desperate visitors.

The venture’s success was spotlighted in a LinkedIn post that praised the driver’s entrepreneurial ingenuity, detailing how he earned between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh a month without driving passengers. However, the viral post drew the attention of Mumbai Police, who deemed the unauthorized operation a potential security risk near the consulate. As a result, authorities swiftly shut down the service, ending the driver’s profitable enterprise.

The driver’s story underscores the double-edged nature of viral fame, where public recognition can lead to unforeseen consequences. The innovative hustle, born from necessity and sharp observation, had filled a critical gap for visa seekers but ultimately could not withstand the scrutiny it attracted.