Keeping India’s heroes on the road

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, the world’s eyes are on the doctors and nurses working hard to save lives.

Yet, there is another frontline of workers – the ambulance drivers, police and those delivering basic necessities including food and medicine – who are also doing their bit in helping fight the pandemic and contain its spread.

But who keeps the wheels of these frontline workers turning?

In India, GoMechanic and ExxonMobil have stepped up to support them – and their vehicles.

ExxonMobil Lubricants (India) is the official mobility partner of GoMechanic, a branded network of technology-enabled service centres. Under its #OpenForHeroes initiative, GoMechanic is working in collaboration with state authorities to keep emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police vehicles and even utility services like water and sewage, moving.

GoMechanic provides maintenance to vehicles at the frontlines of COVID-19, so that the supply of essential services is not disrupted. If vehicles are unable to get to the service centres, then GoMechanic goes to them.

GoMechanic has also lightened the load by waiving all labour and service fees.

“Emergency and essential services cannot afford to stop, even more so when India is under lockdown,” said Kushal Karwa, the co-founder of GoMechanic.

“We feel it is our duty to ensure that our frontline workers get access to the best service and the need of the hour is to keep their vehicles running. With our #OpenForHeroes initiative, GoMechanic wanted to show its appreciation for these real-life heroes by helping them in the best way we can.”

ExxonMobil’s role is ensuring that GoMechanic service centres have the much-needed lubricants to support the maintenance work.

“Every effort counts in bolstering India’s fight against COVID-19. These frontline workers are risking a lot to keep us going, and we are committed to GoMechanic’s initiative that helps them get around and make their lives easier,” said Rupinder Paintal, Director of Market Development, ExxonMobil Lubricants (India).

The service currently operates across nine cities in India, supporting frontline responders in the National Capital Region, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Chennai.