Crimes against women have been disturbing society; hence, it is pertinent to provide physical safety to women, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday here while inaugurating a Pink auto-rickshaw project in the city.
Patnaik said it is a novel women-friendly endeavour. It would provide a secure alternative means of transport for women commuters in the city, besides the city buses exclusively meant for the women, he said.
Special Director General of Police Sanjeev Marik advised the auto-rickshaw drivers not to stop in the middle of the road to pick up passengers what, he said, endangers the safety of their own as well as other road users. He also advised them to boldly display all the details like it is done in New Delhi and other metros. Twin city Police Commissioner RP Sharma said public transport ought to be safe. At times when travelling by auto rickshaws, women face misbehaviour, sexual advances and sometimes become victims of crime like molestation and rape. The Pink auto -rickshaw service is primarily a women-friendly service and initially 200 auto rickshaws have been roped in. The drivers have been selected on parameters like owner driven auto -rickshaws, without having any past criminal records. The vehicles will have a first -aid and suggestion box and based on the feedback, the number of the autos could be extended in future, he said.