New service will offer a sense of safety and secure mode of transport to women passengers
Bengaluru. 07 January 2019: Special cabs driven by women, for women were launched today at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport). Aimed at strengthening safety and security for women passengers, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have on Monday jointly launched the women-only taxi service.
The women drivers will be fluent in multiple languages, well versed with local areas and trained in self-defense tactics. Equipped with several safety features, including GPRS tracking and an SOS switch, the concept reinforces the attention to issues related to women travelers by both KSTDC and BIAL.
The initiative – launched on an experimental basis – will commence with a fleet of 10 cars and will gradually increase based on demand and passenger feedback. Apart from solo female travelers, a group of women can also avail the facility. Priced at Rs. 21.50/km during day (0600 to 2359 hours) and Rs. 23.50/km at night (from 0000 to 0600 hours), the service will be operational round the clock.
“This concept has been implemented with the objective to provide a safe and secure mode of transport for women travelers from the Airport, while simultaneously create opportunities for women drivers to be self-employed and empowered,” said Mr. Kumar Pushkar, Managing Director, KSTDC.
While jointly flagging off the first cars from the BLR Airport, along with Mr. Pushkar, Mr. Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, BIAL, said: “At the BLR Airport, safety and security of women passengers is of prime concern. This is another step in our endeavour towards ensuring that women are 100 per cent safe and travel safely. The pink cars will offer a great sense of safety and a secure mode of transport to women of all ages. We thank KSTDC for working with us to implement this concept at the BLR Airport.”
The initiative is also an effort to contribute to the socio-economic development of women from villages around the Airport by actively recruiting women drivers from the vicinity.
