Editor’s Note (Archival Restoration — August 2026):
This startup profile was originally published by The Optimist News on June 13, 2020. As part of our archival preservation project, this piece highlighting the early development of the ‘Drivers4Me’ app has been restored to our active public record.
The concept of startups is not too old and a lot of young entrepreneurs are already walking on the path of creating their own ventures. Rajarshi Nag and his fellow team members started off on a similar journey in 2017 when they launched their app called ‘Drivers4Me’ an app-based driver hiring platform available on iOS and Android for both private and commercial car owners.
How It Started
Recalling his initial days, Rajarshi Nag spoke about the challenges of the journey: “When we first started, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Along with the operational tasks came the concerns raised by family and friends—that entrepreneurship was a huge risk compared to a standard job. But we decided to take the challenge.”
The core team includes Paramartha Saha, Prachatos Mitra, Rajarshi Basu, and Ronit Ray. During the early stages, they were joined by Hillol Barman, whose graphic design talent gave the startup its unique visual identity.
The founders, then third-year Computer Science Engineering students at IEM (Institute of Engineering and Management), Salt Lake, received early support from the college founder, Dr. Satyajit Chakraborty, who provided office space on the Ashram Campus.
Scaling Up
Today, the company operates out of four major offices with a team of over 900 members, serving five major cities: Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. They have established partnerships with major industry players, including Cars24, Zoomcar, Revv, TCS, SBI, OLX, and Marriott.
The USP of Drivers4Me
Rajarshi Nag emphasizes that unlike traditional ride-hailing services, Drivers4Me focuses on professional staffing.
- Verified Talent: Drivers undergo strict background and police verification.
- Professional Standards: Drivers are required to wear uniforms for clear identification.
- Fair Pricing: A dynamic fare model starting from Rs 49 per hour.
- Safety Features: Includes live tracking, online payment, and 24/7 customer support.
Navigating the Pandemic
During the 2020 lockdown, the team pivoted to support essential services. They partnered with medical providers like 1mg and Medlife, and grocery giants like Spencer’s and Big Basket, helping transport essential workers and delivering supplies.
“We took preventive steps to ensure safety,” said Nag. “Our drivers underwent temperature checks and were provided with masks, face shields, and sanitizers. Our app constantly monitored these safety protocols.”
Future Vision
Nag remains optimistic about the ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Bengal. “It is difficult to set up a startup in Bengal, where the mainstream inclination is towards 9-5 jobs. But you cannot build a successful venture in your comfort zone. We want to join hands with more startup owners and aim to turn West Bengal into a major entrepreneurial hub in India.”
Economic Impact for Drivers
- Traditional Earnings: Typically ~Rs 200 per saree (via middlemen) or similar low-wage structures.
- Income Enhancement: Since joining the Yes!poho/Drivers4Me ecosystem, platform partners have seen their net income increase significantly through direct access to clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Drivers4Me?
Drivers4Me is an app-based platform that allows both individual car owners and large corporate houses to hire verified, professional drivers in a seamless manner.
How are drivers vetted?
All drivers on the platform undergo rigorous background checks and mandatory police verification before they are onboarded.
Does Drivers4Me operate for businesses?
Yes, the platform services both individual customers and large business houses, with partnerships already established with firms like TCS, SBI, and Marriott.
What cities does Drivers4Me serve?
As of the 2020 report, the service was operational in Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, with expansion plans for cities like Nagpur.