Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru 

Bengaluru, Dec 8: In a move to boost women safety, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has introduced ‘Pink Sarathi’ jeeps, which come to the aid of women stranded at bus stops at night. 

Twenty-five Pink Sarathi jeeps became operational on a pilot basis in November. Since then, 35 women who were standing alone in bus stops where the bus frequency was low after 10 pm were safely dropped home. 

BMTC managing director C Shikha told media that though the women were not in direct danger, the initiative aimed at averting unsavoury situations. Apart from Pink Sarathis, BMTC will implement several initiatives that will make women feel safe in buses. ‘Panic Buttons’ will be fitted inside the buses. Also, a new app is in the pipeline where one can obtain reliable information on bus schedules, he added. 

An official heading the Pink Sarathi team said that most of the 35 women were dropped home as they were waiting for buses in deserted and isolated areas. Not just that, many a times Pink Sarathis are parked near women waiting for buses as assurance and leave only after they enter the bus. 

The Pink Sarathis operate in three shifts such as 6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm and 10 pm to 6 am. 

The official explains that it is not possible for the BMTC to cover the entire city with just 25 jeeps. Hence, certain pockets are identified which could be bustling with activity in the morning but can go completely deserted in the night. "We decided not to take chances even at places like Kempegowda Bus Station after 11 pm,” the official explained.