Mumbai Cab Driver Who Went From Owning 1 Car To 400 Cabs: Here’s His Story

Mumbai is called the city of dreams, and a ton of people arrive here every year with a dream of becoming a superstar. However, there are only a few people who actually manage to achieve their dreams. Recently, a story of one such man who came to this city to become successful has come forward. It is about Ashfaque Chunawala, who, with the help of his determination and resilience, went from being a humble retail store attendant to the owner of a 400-strong cab fleet. Here is what Ashfaque had to go through to achieve this success in his life.

Early Struggles

The story of Ashfaque Chunawala begins in Oshiwara, which is a neighborhood in northern Mumbai. He grew up there in very modest circumstances and later had to drop out of school after Class 10th in order to support his family. Chunawala then took up a job as a retail store attendant in 2004.

At this time, he was earning a very low salary of Rs 1,500 per month. However, despite his early setbacks, Chunawala was driven by a strong belief that he was destined for something greater. So over the next decade, he worked tirelessly, switching jobs in search of better opportunities.

During this time, his efforts eventually led him to a managerial position at an apparel and skincare store. However, even as he climbed the career ladder, Chunawala still felt a sense of unfulfilled potential and was also struggling with financial pressures.

Big Break

While continuing his life, what happened in 2013 was that Ashfaque Chunawala’s fortune took a significant turn. He revealed that he came across an advertisement for a newly launched ride-hailing app that promised flexible earning opportunities.

So, intrigued by this advertisement and opportunity, he joined the platform as a part-time driver. Also, he managed to secure a car through the company’s special program. This decision then marked the beginning of a transformative phase in his life.

During his interview, Chunawala stated he balanced his responsibilities at the skincare store and also drove the car for the app. During this phase of his life, Chunawala worked relentlessly. He stated that his combined earnings of Rs 35,000 from the store and Rs 15,000 from driving allowed him to build his savings and plan for the future.

Building a Fleet

Later in his journey, while juggling between two different jobs, Chunawala stated that with his sister’s support, he managed to purchase a second car. And with the help of this additional car, his earnings increased. So recognizing the potential for growth, he applied for a Rs 10 lakh bank loan to acquire three more vehicles.

This risky move enabled him to hire additional drivers and expand his operations. Now, while many people might have settled for a stable income, Chunawala reinvested his profits and took on new loans to grow his fleet.

Following this, with the help of his hard work, financial management, and relentless drive for expansion, Chunawala gradually built a fleet of 400 cabs. His success did not come without challenges.

Struggles with Business

It is not the case that after becoming a successful entrepreneur his struggles ended. On the other hand, with the bigger business, Chunawala started facing problems of employee turnover and the devastating impact of the Covid-19 lockdown. Bengaluru barber bought three new Mercedes.

During the pandemic, his business even temporarily halted. Yet, Chunawala’s determination helped him move ahead through these tough times. Today, Chunawala provides jobs to numerous drivers and helps them in their life.

In his interview, he stated, “I strive to empower drivers to pursue their dreams unhindered by financial constraints.” He added that he ensures his drivers undergo rigorous training, spanning 15-30 days, to promote professionalism and align with company expectations. Currently, Chunawala is aiming to expand his fleet to 500 cars.

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