As told to Saloni Khare

From taking four children to school in her Fiat, Nilima Kalambi today boasts of a fleet of six buses, a matador and a Sumo, which, incidentally, she drives herself!

So, what’s my story?
Every time they read about another ‘rikshaw’ accident or see one doing an undignified head stand, mothers of school-going children are sure to experience a chill as the mind is hounded by a million visions of their little ones meeting with such a plight. I watched my little son take off crammed in with 15 others under the strict vigilance of an irate ‘rikshaw-walla’, and an idea of ferrying the children myself took shape.

My proverbial ‘generous grand aunt’ lent me the money to buy my first Matador. It ran to full capacity as word spread around about the quality of service and reliability. I could hardly afford a driver, let alone an attendant, so I used to sit in on each trip.

What makes it special?
I installed a well-stocked book rack for the children to settle down with. I would play them some of their favourite songs and then I would devise little quizzes which we would play on the journeys to and fro. As my popularity grew, so did the cash registers fill, and by the following year, I had paid off my loans and bought a bigger bus. And that’s how it’s been from then, adding a bus every alternate year. I was now in a position to hire staff for my work. Sometimes I would sell off an old vehicle to buy a new one and at other times, I would take loans from leasing companies.

What about security?
As far as the drivers are concerned I prefer ex-servicemen any day. They are disciplined and have a tremendous sense of responsibility. The first driver I ever employed has not taken a single day’s leave in the past 10 years! Unfortunately, they are rare to come by, so it’s generally through word of mouth; one driver gets another and then they are put through a probation period where I check them for regularity and driving skills.

I believe that male drivers are better equipped to deal with crises and have better on-road concentration but I am not averse to the idea of women drivers. However, when it comes to helpers, I employ only women. They are safer and as most of the buses cater to girl schools, there is an increased comfort level for the parents. Besides, they are more amenable and communicative with the children in general.

Being a woman
Apart from the fact that I have to co-ordinate with a predominantly male community, be it drivers or the motor mechanics, by and large I have found being a woman has actually worked in my favour. Especially when it comes to dealing with flak from other ‘rikshaw’ owners or for that matter with the bureaucracy. When they see a woman, they are a little flummoxed because they think twice about raising their voice or blatantly asking for money.

The ideal situation
The best part of the job is that I have all the flexibility in the world and my children never feel that they have a working mother. I am always there for them and the family.

GOT COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? E-MAIL US AT FEMINA@TIMESGROUP.COM WITH ‘ON THE JOB — BUS-LING ABOUT’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE