Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards women empowerment and safer public transport, women drivers will soon take charge of the state-run ‘Ama Bus’ service. For the first phase of training, 20 women will travel to Pune on the 31st under a programme organised by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT).
Why has the govt taken this step?
The initiative aims to improve safety for women passengers and strengthen the public transport system by increasing the participation of women drivers. A review meeting on the Ama Bus service was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krishna Chandra Mahapatra. During the meeting, officials discussed CRUT’s operational framework and several measures to enhance service quality.
To ensure passenger safety, CRUT has made alcohol testing mandatory for all bus drivers. Over the last one year, nearly 1.97 lakh breathalyser tests have been conducted across different routes. These checks are carried out before and after trips, as well as through surprise inspections during the day.
According to official data, 19 drivers were found to be under the influence of alcohol during this period. They were detained by the police, and their driving licences were sent to the concerned Regional Transport Offices for suspension for three months, as per legal provisions.
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On the 31st, CRUT will also send 20 women drivers for specialised training in operating electric buses. The minister further informed that CRUT has provided immediate financial assistance to families affected by road accidents. In fatal cases, insurance compensation exceeding ₹4 crore has been given to the families of victims.
CRUT is also planning to set up its own training institute within its depot premises in the near future. The centre will offer practical driving lessons, behavioural training, and focused sessions on traffic rules, lane discipline, and road safety to ensure professional and responsible driving standards.
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