Delhi’s First All-Women Bus Depot ‘Sakhi Depot’ Inaugurated
Introduction
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot inaugurated the world’s first all-women bus depot, named ‘Sakhi Depot’, at Sarojini Nagar. This groundbreaking initiative features an entirely female workforce, including drivers, conductors, and other staff.
Empowering Women
Minister Gahlot praised the women workforce, highlighting the depot as a symbol of women empowerment and a step towards a more inclusive society. The depot aims to inspire women across the nation by offering equal opportunities.
Depot Details
The Sakhi Depot employs 223 women, with 89 drivers and 134 conductors, operating 70 buses on 17 routes. The fleet includes 40 air-conditioned and 30 non-air-conditioned buses.
Overcoming Challenges
Initially, the height requirement for women drivers was a challenge, but it was reduced from 159 cm to 153 cm. Buses were also equipped with features like power steering and adjustable seats to accommodate women drivers.
Training and Support
To assist women in obtaining Heavy Motor Vehicle licenses, the Delhi government partnered with Ashok Leyland to launch Mission Parivartan, providing free training for women drivers. The first batch of women drivers joined the Delhi Transport Corporation in August 2022.
Historical Significance
The depot, originally known as the Sarojini Nagar Depot, was Delhi’s first bus depot, inaugurated in 1954. It is named after Sarojini Naidu, a renowned freedom fighter. Delhi’s first female bus driver, Vankadavath Saritha, began her journey here in 2015.
Future Vision
The Sakhi Depot is the first step in a larger ‘Sakhi’ initiative to create more all-women depots across Delhi, promoting gender equality in public transport.
Doubts Revealed
Sakhi Depot -: Sakhi Depot is the name of a special bus station in Delhi where only women work. It is the first of its kind in the world, meaning there are no other bus depots like it anywhere else.
Kailash Gahlot -: Kailash Gahlot is a person who works in the government of Delhi. He is responsible for making sure that transportation, like buses and trains, works well in the city.
Sarojini Nagar -: Sarojini Nagar is a place in Delhi, which is a big city in India. It is known for its market where people can buy clothes and other things at good prices.
Mission Parivartan -: Mission Parivartan is a program that helps train people, in this case, women, to do jobs they might not have done before, like driving buses. ‘Parivartan’ means change in Hindi.
Sarojini Naidu -: Sarojini Naidu was a famous Indian poet and freedom fighter. She was one of the first women to become a leader in India, and the depot is named after her to honor her contributions.
Gender equality -: Gender equality means treating everyone the same, whether they are boys or girls. It is about giving everyone the same chances and opportunities, like working as bus drivers or conductors.
Sakhi initiative -: The Sakhi initiative is a plan to create more places like the Sakhi Depot where women can work and feel safe. ‘Sakhi’ means friend in Hindi, showing support for women.