Clean transit with women in charge

In a sector as dynamic and transformative as electric mobility, leaders who combine purpose with innovation stand out. One such trailblazer is Arathi, a second-generation entrepreneur whose roots in the automotive sector and passion for sustainability led to the creation of Neuton Auto—a company reimagining India's public transport landscape with indigenous electric buses.

- 

In this exclusive conversation, Neelam Pathak, Founder of WIMA (Women in Manufacturing & Allied Industries), speaks with Arathi about her inspiring journey into EV manufacturing, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and her vision for a cleaner, more inclusive future of mobility. From the birth of Neuton Auto to mentoring women in core engineering roles, Arathi shares insights that are both deeply personal and widely relevant—especially for women aspiring to make an impact in manufacturing and green innovation.

Neelam: What inspired your journey into the electric mobility sector, and how did Neuton Bus come into being? Was there a defining moment that shaped your leadership path in this industry?

Arathi: My journey into electric mobility is purpose-led. I come from a family rooted in the automobile sector, with my father being a technocrat and entrepreneur who built a legacy in auto retail, services and bus manufacturing. The defining moment came when we saw firsthand both the challenges and the transformative potential of sustainable transport in India.

That's when we decided to focus on electric mobility; it wasn't just a business decision, it was a conviction. Neuton Auto was born out of that conviction, that India needs cleaner, smarter and more accessible transport solutions, and that we could build that from the ground up with indigenous innovation.

Neelam: Leading in the traditionally male-dominated manufacturing sector comes with unique challenges. What hurdles have you faced as a woman in this space, and how did you overcome them?