By the women, for women: Pink Taxis launched at Kempegowda International Airport

Bengaluru: Special cab services driven by women and for women was launched on Monday at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) by Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to strengthen safety and security of women passengers.

The women drivers will be fluent in multiple languages, well versed with local areas and trained in self-defence tactics. The exclusive cabs are equipped with several safety features, including GPRS tracking and an SOS switch.

The initiative, launched on an experimental basis, will commence with a fleet of 10 cars and will gradually increase based on demand and passenger feedback. Apart from solo female travellers, a group of women can also avail the facility. The service is charged at Rs 21.50/km during day (between 6 am and 11.59 pm) and Rs 23.50/km at night (from 12 midnight to 6 am). The services will operate round the clock.

“It has been implemented with the objective of providing a safe and secure mode of transport for women travellers from the airport, while simultaneously creating opportunities for women drivers to be self-employed and empowered,” said Mr Kumar Pushkar, Managing Director, KSTDC.

Flagging off the first set of cars from KIA along with Mr Pushkar, Mr Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, BIAL, said, “At the airport, safety and security of women passengers is of prime concern. This is another step in our endeavour towards ensuring that women are 100 per cent safe and travel safely. The Pink Taxis will offer a sense of safety and a secure mode of transport to women of all ages."

The initiative is also an effort to contribute to the socio-economic development of women from villages around the airport by recruiting them from the vicinity.