Dimple Yadav's stamp on yet another UP initiative

'Pink Auto' service in Lucknow from next month

Dimple Yadav is slowly but surely emerging from the shadows of her husband and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. She had started to break her cocoon with first sharing the dais during public functions with the CM. Now, the Kannauj Member of Parliament is leaving her mark on several state government initiatives, especially those concerning health, family welfare and women folks.

In the fresh instance, the UP transport department after getting the "inspiration" from her is readying to launch a 'Pink Auto' service in Lucknow exclusively for women passengers as a safe mode of city commuting.

The service would be launched in a month. It would be driven by male drivers, who would be replaced with female drivers after their availability and subsequent training.

The service would be facilitated by UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) in partnership with the private parties.

Earlier, a 'Pink Express' biweekly bus service had already been launched between Delhi and Lucknow for women passengers, which is manned by all women staff except for the driver. This service was attributed to the "inspiration and thinking" of Ms Yadav by UP transport department principal secretary Arvind Singh Deo during a function at the CM's official residence here this afternoon.

In recent months, Dimple has not only made a speech in Parliament, but made solo appearances in several sociopolitical and cultural events. She is a far cry from her timid earlier self.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav has launched several transport department projects, including 100 water ATM at select state bus terminals, Dial 149 IVRS service, foundation laying of 25 modern bus stations and launch of super luxury Scania buses.

In his address, Yadav exhorted officials to expanding the scope of transport department initiatives, including water ATMs to cover other places also.

UPSRTC operates a fleet of 9,500 buses and ferries 550 million passengers annually. It had 650 new buses to its fleet last year and targets to add another 750 this year. It has a load factor of 60-65 percent.

Deo informed the Corporation had added specially designed buses to ferry farmers along with agricultural produce and milk.