Delhi govt working hard to ensure women’s safety after odd-even scheme: Minister

From planning to reserve more seats in public transport buses, Delhi Metro and other means of transportation, identification of dark spots, plying of additional autos and taxis for women only, increasing Metro frequency to launching a new app — the Delhi government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that women are safe post the implementation of the odd-even scheme from January next year.

Delhi’s health minister Satyendar Jain assured to go through every minute detail in this perspective before the rule is actually implemented in the national Capital.

Jain, who has also been appointed the nodal minister for this purpose, claims that the concerned departments of the government will take all necessary measures in the city to ensure safety and security of women.

While participating in a debate at the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) on Saturday, the minister said that the government has been planning to reserve 50 per cent seats in nearly 2,000 school buses that will be plying during the 15-day period. A similar provision might take place in 4,000 additional buses for this cause. In order to avoid confusion, plying of buses is likely to be fixed in dedicated lanes. The government is also planning to exempt single women-driven vehicles and is planning to encourage car-pooling.

As per the initial plan, existing fleets of autos, taxis and other means of transport will be augmented with emphasis on the last mile connectivity. As Metro is the key medium of travelling in and around the city and connecting NCR as well, talks are on with the DMRC to increase Metro trips, add more coaches and expand timing of the trains during morning and night hours. With the help of law enforcement agency, installation of more CCTV cameras, identification of more than 100 dark spots and additional deployment of police personnel will be ensured. If required volunteers of AAP and others will also be roped in.

“Several working women depend on variety of modes of transport precisely because of safety issues. To address this issue, we will increase the frequency of existing buses and add more routes. Last mile connectivity of the Metro and feeder buses are still an issue and we are planning to resolve it as soon as possible,” Jain added.