Castrol India Limited has enhanced its Sarathi Mitra social responsibility initiative with the launch of ‘Highways as Classroom’ in Uttar Pradesh, targeting truck drivers. A mobile learning truck will visit 46 locations, providing training focused on road safety, driver wellness, and financial planning. This initiative responds to the challenges faced by truck drivers, such as accidents and lack of formal education. Additionally, the Digital Sarathi Mitra platform offers accessible training resources, supporting the trucking community. Since its inception in 2017, Sarathi Mitra has trained over 250,000 drivers, underscoring Castrol’s commitment to safer roads and stronger families.
skill Development Opportunities
Castrol India has taken a significant step toward strengthening the backbone of India’s logistics ecosystem by expanding its Sarathi Mitra program with a dedicated mobile learning platform for truck drivers. The initiative reflects a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by drivers who spend long hours on highways and often lack access to structured skill development opportunities. With mobile learning, Castrol is leveraging technology to bring education directly to drivers’ smartphones, ensuring learning becomes flexible, inclusive, and practical. This move aligns with Castrol’s long-standing commitment to driver welfare and sustainable mobility while supporting.
India’s growing logistics and transport sector. More insights into transport-led innovation can be explored through our internal feature on transport innovation in India The Sarathi Mitra program was originally launched to support truck drivers beyond just fuel and lubricants, focusing on their personal and professional growth. Over time, the program evolved into a comprehensive engagement platform offering training workshops, health camps, and awareness drives. The introduction of mobile learning marks a new phase where digital tools are used to scale impact. Through bite-sized content, drivers can now learn about road safety practices, vehicle maintenance, fuel.
Travel Across States And Regions
Efficiency, and even basic financial literacy This digital shift ensures that drivers, regardless of their location, can continue learning without disrupting their work schedules, creating a balance between livelihood and self-improvement Mobile learning has become a (Metro) powerful enabler in sectors where traditional classroom training is difficult. For truck drivers, who often travel across states and regions, attending physical training sessions is not always feasible. Castrol’s mobile learning platform solves this challenge by offering easy-to-understand modules in regional languages, making education more relatable and accessibl This approach also supports the government’s.
Broader digital inclusion goals under initiatives like Digital India and Skill India. Readers interested in similar capacity-building programs can explore our internal article on CSR initiatives in the logistics sector for a wider perspective Another important aspect of the expanded Sarathi Mitra program is its focus on road safety and responsible driving behavior. India witnesses a high number of road accidents involving heavy vehicles, often due to fatigue, lack of awareness, or improper vehicle maintenance. By educating drivers through engaging digital content, Castrol aims to reduce accident risks and promote safer highways. The learning modules emphasize defensive driving techniques.
Social and Economic Challenges
Compliance with traffic regulations, and the importance of regular vehicle checks. This safety-first approach not only protects drivers but also benefits fleet owners, logistics companies, and the overall economy Beyond safety and skills, the mobile learning initiative also addresses the social and economic challenges faced by truck drivers. Many drivers operate in informal setups with limited financial planning or access to formal banking knowledge. Through the Sarathi Mitra platform, Castrol introduces basic financial literacy concepts, helping drivers understand savings, insurance, and responsible spending. This holistic development model recognizes drivers as professionals.
Who deserve respect, stability, and growth opportunities. Such initiatives contribute to improving the social standing of drivers and encouraging younger generations to view trucking as a viable and respected profession Castrol’s expansion of Sarathi Mitra also reflects a strategic approach to corporate social responsibility. Rather than limiting CSR to one-time activities, the company has built a long-term engagement model that creates measurable impact. By integrating mobile learning, Castrol ensures scalability, allowing the program to reach thousands of drivers across India. This digital approach also enables continuous updates to learning content, keeping it relevant.
Efficiency, Reduced Vehicle Wear
To changing regulations, technologies, and industry standards From an industry perspective, initiatives like Sarathi Mitra play a crucial role in professionalizing India’s logistics sector. Skilled and informed drivers contribute to better fuel efficiency, reduced vehicle wear and tear, and improved delivery timelines. This directly impacts supply chain efficiency, which is critical for sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. As India continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and highway development, the role of trained driver The expansion of Sarathi Mitra with mobile learning also supports national skill development goals complements these efforts by focusing on.
A traditionally underserved workforce By collaborating with digital tools and grassroots engagement, Castrol demonstrates how private sector participation can accelerate social and economic development. Such models set benchmarks for other corporates looking to create meaningful and scalable CSR programs Castrol’s decision to expand the Sarathi Mitra program with mobile learning for truck drivers is a forward-looking move that combines technology, social responsibility, and industry insight.
It recognizes the critical role drivers play in keeping India’s economy moving and addresses their needs through practical, accessible solutions. By focusing on skills, safety, and financial awareness, the initiative creates long-term value for drivers, businesses, and society at large. As (India) India’s logistics sector continues to evolve, programs like Sarathi Mitra will remain essential in building a safer, smarter, and more inclusive transport ecosystem.
Q1. What is Castrol Sarathi Mitra program?
Sarathi Mitra is Castrol India’s driver-focused initiative aimed at improving truck drivers’ skills, safety awareness, and financial well-being through training and support services.
Q2. How does mobile learning help truck drivers?
Mobile learning allows drivers to access educational content anytime, helping them improve driving practices, vehicle maintenance knowledge, and digital literacy.
Q3. Is the Sarathi Mitra mobile learning platform free?
Yes, the learning modules are designed to be easily accessible and affordable, supporting drivers without adding financial burden.
Q4. What topics are covered in the learning modules?
The platform covers road safety, fuel efficiency, health awareness, vehicle care, and financial planning.
Q5. How does this initiative impact India’s logistics sector?
By empowering drivers with skills and knowledge, it improves efficiency, safety, and professionalism across the logistics ecosystem.
