For safe commute, women in city can hail pink autos

For safe commute, women in city can hail pink autos

BENGALURU: After providing dedicated parking space for women, the Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to launch pink autorickshaws in the city for the fairer sex.

According to the BBMP, the pink autorickshaw is reserved only for women and children. The drivers could be male or female. These autos will be distributed under the BBMP's social welfare scheme.

BBMP Mayor Sampath Raj says that of the 300-400 autos to be distributed under the welfare scheme, 20% will be pink autos.

"The autos will be launched in January 2018. After assessing the response, we will add more pink autos," the mayor said.

"We want to make them woman-friendly and these pink autos are meant only for women who are not accompanied by men," he added.

Responding to the concept, a few citizens questioned the auto's safety measures. "The concept is really good, but safety will still be a concern whether it is pink or black. In spite of the presence of GPS, CCTV cameras and other safety systems all over, there are many harassment cases," said Sheetal K, a resident of Shanthinagar.

Another resident feels the number of pink autos planned is very small and they will be hard to find when one needs them. "This initiative probably helps women who need a safe ride, but the 20% of 300 autos is very less. It will not make any difference. I live on the city's outskirts where taking an auto home after sunset is not safe. Pink autos may help, but there should be enough of them," said Shreya Prakash, a resident of Sarjapur.

In the first phase, there will be just 60-80 pink autos, compared to the 45,000 autos in the city.

CCTVs or the GPS and the reserved pink autos will not do much for safety till men change, said Siri Harish, a techie.

DH News Service