NDMC to launch all-women cab service 'Shakti' soon

Project is likely to be launched by next month

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is planning to launch an all-women cab service in areas under its jurisdiction in view of the increasing number of crimes against women in buses and taxis.

The civic agency had planned to launch the cab service named "Shakti" with a fleet of 20 taxis on the International Women's day on March 8, however, it had to be deferred as NDMC is still working out the details of the project.

"We had approached the transport department to workout the details. Usually, 100 taxis are needed if such a project has to be launched. Since, we do not have sufficient funds at present, we have asked for permission to begin it as a pilot project with 20 vehicles," NDMC Chairperson, Jalaj Srivastava said.

"The project is now likely to be launched by next month. We have also approached Maruti Suzuki for exploring a tie up regarding procurement of cabs," he added.

The civic-body run cab services will have women drivers who will be recruited from the technical institute run by NDMC and the tariffs are likely to be in sync with Delhi Transport Department rates, however, the council will take a call on this, Srivastava said.

NDMC has also decided to recruit women drivers for all the buses ferrying children to the schools run by it.

"Since children are easy targets for crimes such as molestation by the drivers or bus conductors, we decided to ensure their security in this way. The women drivers with commercial licenses have been already selected and they will also begin working from next month," he added.