Entrepreneur without an MBA: How a Mumbai auto driver makes ₹800,000 a month — without driving

A Mumbai auto-rickshaw driver has become an unlikely internet sensation after his unique business model near the US Consulate went viral on LinkedIn. Without even driving his rickshaw, the man reportedly earns between ₹5 to ₹8 lakh (1 lakh is 100,000) per month — more than many IT directors or chartered accountants.

The story was first shared by Rahul Rupani, a product leader at Lenskart and serial entrepreneur, who detailed the encounter in a LinkedIn post. The post has since attracted widespread attention for showcasing a clever, legal hustle born from street smarts and opportunity.

The business is simple: a ₹1,000 bag-keeping service for visa applicants visiting the US Consulate in Mumbai. Due to strict security protocols, visitors are not allowed to carry bags, electronics, or personal items into the consulate. Complicating matters further, there are no official locker facilities nearby.

“I was outside the US Consulate this week for my visa appointment when security told me I couldn’t carry my bag inside,” Rupani wrote. “No lockers. No suggestions. As I stood there, unsure what to do, an auto driver waved me over and said, ‘Sir, bag de do. Safe rakhunga, mera roz ka hai. ₹1,000 charge hai’ (Sir, give me your bag. I’ll keep it safe. I do this daily. Just ₹1,000).”

What seemed at first like an opportunistic offer turned out to be a well-organised service. According to Rupani, the driver serves 20 to 30 customers daily, potentially earning ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 every day.

But the operation goes beyond a solo hustle. Rupani revealed that the driver has partnered with a local police officer who owns secure storage space nearby. The auto serves as a drop-off point, while the bags are stored safely off-site. “Legal, secure, zero hassle. The auto is just the funnel,” Rupani wrote.

It’s a system built entirely on trust and efficiency — no app, no office, no formal training. Just insight into a pressing problem and the initiative to solve it.

“This is entrepreneurship in its rawest and most powerful form,” Rupani concluded. “He didn’t need an MBA. Just a sharp eye and a clear understanding of people.”