A Mumbai auto-rickshaw driver has become the talk of LinkedIn and beyond after a jaw-dropping story of his unconventional business hustle outside the US Consulate went viral. Earning between ₹5 to ₹8 lakh per month — more than what many IT directors or chartered accountants take home — this driver has found a niche that’s both legal and ingenious, all without driving his auto.
The story was shared by Rahul Rupani, a product leader at Lenskart and a seasoned entrepreneur, who posted the tale on LinkedIn, where it has since garnered massive traction. The business? A ₹1,000-per-customer bag-keeping service for visitors headed to their visa appointments at the consulate.
Security protocols prohibit visitors from carrying bags or electronic items inside the consulate premises. Spotting this problem, the auto driver parked outside the consulate and offered a simple solution: leave your bags in his vehicle. With 20–30 customers a day, he easily earns ₹20,000–30,000 daily — translating to a staggering ₹5–8 lakh per month.
But that’s not all. Rupani revealed that the driver has struck a smart partnership with a local police officer who owns nearby locker space. While the auto serves as the pickup point, the bags are safely stored in the officer’s secure facility. “Legal, secure, zero hassle. The auto is just the funnel,” Rupani wrote.
He called it “a masterclass in solving a hyper-specific pain point,” praising the driver for building trust, ensuring security, and charging a premium — all without apps, funding, or business degrees. “This is real entrepreneurship. No pitch deck. Just a parking spot and pure hustle,” Rupani added.
As the post continues to inspire thousands online, the story stands as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come in a suit — sometimes, it wears a uniform and parks outside the embassy.