How a local mechanic in Unnao built his own automobile workshop

Devender Gaur, a resident on Deen Dayal College Road in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, operates a small automobile workshop that provides routine vehicle servicing, along with denting, painting, and basic engine repairs. The business caters largely to local car owners who need regular maintenance rather than specialised or high-end work.

Before starting on his own, Gaur spent his time around workshops, learning the trade informally. His brother runs a garage, and living and working alongside him gave Gaur practical exposure to how repairs were done, how customers were handled, and how daily operations were managed. Over time, his familiarity with tools, parts, and common vehicle problems began to feel less like assistance and more like a skill he could rely on independently.

Turning experience into a decision

The thought of running his own unit did not emerge suddenly, as Gaur had been working in the sector for a while. The idea became more concrete after he came across information about Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana on social media. Curious but unsure, he approached the District Industries Centre to understand how the process worked. There, he gathered information, attended training sessions, and began preparing documents.

He then approached a bank with a project report focused on the automobile sector, a field he already understood. According to him, the paperwork initially felt overwhelming, and there was confusion about different loan categories and requirements. However, repeated explanations from officials helped clarify the process, and what had seemed complicated slowly became manageable.

Building a daily routine

Once the workshop began operations, the focus shifted from approvals to everyday execution. The unit opens around 10 a.m., with workers arriving shortly thereafter. Vehicles come in for servicing throughout the day, while denting and painting jobs are handled separately. By evening, after completing ongoing repairs and basic checks, the workshop usually closes between 7 and 8 p.m.

At present, five people work at the unit. Two are mechanics who handle most of the technical tasks, while the others assist and learn on the job. Gaur and his brother manage the work together, dividing responsibilities as required. He described the environment as collaborative, with all involved in keeping operations running smoothly.

Reflecting on the early phase, Gaur noted that maintaining stock was initially difficult, as parts often had to be sourced from Kanpur. After receiving support under CM Yuva Yojana, he was able to stock more inventory on hand, reducing delays and making daily work more predictable.

“Earlier, there was fear about whether it would happen or not, but later everything became easy,” he said, explaining that the initial uncertainty gradually gave way to confidence once the process was completed.

Today, the workshop offers a sense of stability that was previously missing. The challenges have not disappeared, but are now familiar and manageable, shaped by routine effort rather than uncertainty.