How Buddy Mobility Is Empowering India’s Vulnerable with Dignity

When health emergencies struck close to home, Mrs. Sartaj Lambha realised how fragmented and inaccessible mobility and care services were for those who needed them most. Inspired by the struggles she faced while assisting her father-in-law, she launched Buddy Mobility Care in April 2021 in Chandigarh. The aim? To offer a holistic solution that blends safe transportation with compassionate caregiving.

Before Buddy Mobility Care, Mrs. Sartaj Lambha had already built a successful venture in the travel sector. In 2010, she founded AJ Travels to streamline tourism experiences. But it was her deep commitment to social impact that paved the way for a more inclusive mobility ecosystem.

The Buddy System: More Than Just a Ride

The name "Buddy" draws from the Indian Army's buddy system—a model rooted in mutual care and accountability. At Buddy Mobility Care, every client is paired with a trained, empathetic caregiver-driver. Their modified vehicles come equipped with ramps and hydraulic lifts, ensuring easy access for wheelchair users.

In addition to transport, the startup offers in-home caregiving for daily tasks and medical support. Clients can even be accompanied by caregivers on hospital visits or social outings, restoring their sense of independence.

Filling the Gaps in a Growing Market

India's ageing population and the shift towards nuclear families have created a pressing need for specialised care solutions. Buddy Mobility Care directly addresses this gap, offering a platform that bridges mobility and caregiving without compromising on dignity or comfort.

Operating in cities like Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Buddy has served over 800 clients. Their customer base spans senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and non-emergency patients, including tourists from the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Scalable, Accessible, and Trusted

With pricing based on time and distance slabs, Buddy Mobility Care ensures affordability while maintaining premium service quality. The company offers both B2C and B2B solutions and is poised to expand into Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune.

The model is highly scalable due to its modular structure and community-driven awareness strategy. By leveraging social media, grassroots campaigns, and word-of-mouth referrals, Buddy has built a reputation for trust and dependability.

Supported by Strong Institutional Backing

Buddy Mobility Care is incubated at IIM Lucknow's EIC, TBI IISER Mohali, and supported by Saksham by SACC. With grant funding from Startup Punjab and IIM L EIC, the startup has expanded operations, grown its team, and executed targeted marketing campaigns.

Mrs. Sartaj Lambha believes that passion outweighs pedigree when it comes to building a strong team. She seeks adaptable individuals, aligned with the mission, and genuinely committed to service—a philosophy that defines the company culture.

To aspiring founders, she offers this guidance: "Start small and remain obsessed with the problem you're solving. Engage deeply with your users—they're your best source of insight. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—momentum is more powerful than perfection. And above all, resilience will take you further than brilliance."

Recognition, Impact, and the Road Ahead

Buddy Mobility Care has garnered wide acclaim for its impactful work. The startup was honoured with the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award by STPI TiE Chandigarh and received recognition from the Hon'ble Governor of Chandigarh for its exceptional care services.

Its innovative model has drawn media attention, with features in MoneyControl, CurlyTales, and The Tribune. Additionally, the story of Buddy Mobility Care was profiled on the Zee5 show Jazbaa, hosted by actress Neeru Bajwa.

The startup is now eyeing national expansion, aiming to become the go-to platform for inclusive healthcare and assisted mobility. With plans to launch new services and enter more geographies, the goal remains clear: to empower vulnerable communities through compassionate innovation.