This auto driver earns Rs 30K a day– without driving a single kilometre; here's how

Time of India

a day ago

Outside Mumbai's US Consulate, where visa applicants face long lines, tight security, and strict rules, one issue keeps causing stress: what to do with their bags. Since the consulate doesn't allow bags inside and there's no official locker facility, many people are left scrambling for a solution just before their interview.
But every day, near the entrance, there's a man quietly offering help. He doesn't drive anyone anywhere, but he's found a simple way to earn a steady income– without even starting his auto.
The service that starts with 'bag de do'
What looks like just another autorickshaw parked near the consulate is actually part of a clever little service. The driver, who likes to keep things low-key, offers to hold on to people's bags while they go in for their visa appointments.
'Sir, bag de do. Safe rakhunga, mera roz ka kaam hai. Rs 1,000 charge hai,' he tells confused applicants, many of whom have no other choice at that moment.
This isn't just a one-time favour– it's a full-time business. Every day, the driver stores bags for around 20 to 30 people. At Rs 1,000 per person, that adds up to a daily income of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000.
From auto stand to storage hub
The process is simple. The autorickshaw is just the starting point.
Once someone agrees to hand over their bag, it's not kept in the vehicle– instead, it's taken to a secure location. This spot is reportedly managed with help from a local police officer who provides access to a nearby storage space. There's no online booking, no receipts, and no formal customer service. Still, the service runs smoothly, thanks to routine, reliability, and word-of-mouth.
An informal setup, built on trust
What makes this setup work is its simplicity– and the trust it has earned over time.
Many regular visitors now rely on it without hesitation. Rahul Rupani, one such visitor, shared his experience on LinkedIn. Caught off guard by the no-bag policy, he was unsure of what to do until the auto driver stepped in to offer help.
Rupani noted in his post, 'He has created a model built entirely on trust. With no app, no office, and no MBA degree, he earns with just his street smartness and a deep understanding of people.'
Online buzz and divided opinions
The story has stirred a lot of discussion on social media. While some people praised the autorickshaw driver for finding a smart and practical solution to a common problem, others questioned how safe or legal such unregulated services are, especially around high-security areas like embassies.
One LinkedIn user commented, 'Your post has busted his business, income, identity, reg. no…. besides celebrating a jugaad, IT evasion, and exposes an unholy nexus.' Another shared a similar experience, writing, 'Exactly experienced the same last week in Delhi US Embassy where they are using their best of mind to solve a Big problem out and charging hefty from the applicants. Still at the end of they come as saviours.
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