Meet Kanchan: Lucknow’s First Female Bicycle Delivery Partner Who Is Redefining Independence at 18

Every evening, as the sun sets over Lucknow and city lights flicker on, an 18-year-old girl mounts her bicycle and rides into streets still dominated by men. Her name is Kanchan, and she is quietly making history.

Originally from Sitapur, Kanchan came to Lucknow to study. Today, she is known as the city’s first female delivery partner who delivers orders at night on a bicycle. In a society where women are often told what they cannot do, Kanchan has chosen to show what is possible—with courage, discipline, and hard work.

From Sitapur to Lucknow: A Journey of Responsibility

Born on 7 October 2006, Kanchan is just 18 years old. But life pushed her to grow up early. She moved to Lucknow for education, living alone while pursuing her studies. Like many students, she searched for part-time work to support herself.

“I didn’t want to sit idle,” she says. “I wanted to study and earn at the same time.”

After trying different jobs—some of which didn’t pay her despite long hours—Kanchan found an opportunity in delivery services. It was flexible, close to home, and allowed her to manage her studies alongside work.

“I thought, why not? I can study after coaching and work in the evenings,” she recalls.

Breaking Stereotypes, One Delivery at a Time

Delivery work, especially at night, is still considered a male domain. When Kanchan started, many people were surprised—some even questioned her choice.

“Yes, people told me, ‘You’re a girl, do some other job,’” she says. “But when I explained my situation, they understood. I did what felt right for me.”

Riding her bicycle, Kanchan covers 20 to 22 kilometers every day, delivering groceries in nearby areas like Vivek Khand and Vinay Khand. She works part-time, usually between 5 PM and 11 PM, adjusting her shifts based on her classes.

Her bicycle, she says, is more than just a vehicle.

“It saves money, keeps me healthy, and it’s lucky for me,” she smiles.

Family Support: Her Greatest Strength

Despite living away from home, Kanchan is never truly alone. Her family—especially her mother—stands firmly behind her.

“My mother tells me not to worry. She calls me every day, asks how many orders I delivered, whether I faced any problem,” Kanchan shares.

Her brothers support her too. While she sends a small amount home every week, most of her earnings go toward her education and daily expenses.

“I’m not running the household,” she clarifies. “I’m taking responsibility for myself.”

Real Experiences on the Road

Kanchan’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. While most customers and colleagues have been respectful, she has faced occasional rude behavior.

“Once, a woman spoke to me very badly,” Kanchan says calmly. “I told her that there is a way to speak to people. We should treat each other with respect.”

Interestingly, she notes that male customers and delivery partners have largely been supportive.

Her biggest fear? Stray dogs, especially at night.

“Dogs chase everyone, not just girls,” she laughs. “Some people even quit this job because of that.”

Safety at Night: Her Honest Experience

When asked about women’s safety at night—a topic often debated—Kanchan gives a practical answer.

“I’ve never felt unsafe,” she says. “People can’t even tell if I’m male or female when I’m cycling. Police presence is visible, and I’ve never been stopped or harassed.”

Her experience challenges common assumptions and highlights how workplaces and cities can become safer when women participate freely.

Education First, Always

Kanchan has completed Class 12 and is currently pursuing a BA (Second Year) from a college affiliated with Lucknow University. Alongside her degree, she is also studying computer skills, including Excel, and plans to start O-Level certification soon.

“I’m interested in computers,” she says. “In the future, I want a good job in accounting or IT.”

Her dreams are clear and ambitious:

A stable job
A house in Lucknow
A car (she plans to learn driving soon)

“But I will never say goodbye to my bicycle,” she adds. “That’s where everything started.”

A Message to Other Young Women

Kanchan’s message to girls who hesitate to work due to social pressure is simple but powerful:

“Girls should take action for their dreams. We are not less than anyone. If you decide you can do something, then you can.”

She believes mindsets are changing—and she is proof of it.

More Than a Delivery Partner

Kanchan is not just delivering groceries.
She is delivering hope, confidence, and change.

At an age when many are still unsure of their path, she balances education, work, and independence with remarkable maturity. Her story is not about sympathy—it’s about strength.

In the quiet lanes of Lucknow, every evening, an 18-year-old girl pedals forward—toward her future, one delivery at a time.