Shimla, April 08: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting both safety and empowerment, Shimla has launched a unique women’s taxi service, exclusively for the city’s female residents. The service, initiated by “The Society for Connecting Lives,” will be operated entirely by women drivers and is designed to provide affordable and secure transportation for working and needy women in the city. The taxi fares will be lower than regular taxi rates, making it an accessible option for many women.
Bimla Thakur, President of “The Society for Connecting Lives,” announced the service, which will cater to the needs of women who require reliable and safe transportation at any time of day or night. Women in Shimla can avail of the service by simply calling Bimla Thakur at 94189-56561. The service was officially inaugurated by Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surinder Chauhan, who flagged off the first taxi in a ceremonial event.
During the launch, Vimala Thakur, President of “The Society for Connecting Lives,” shared the organization’s commitment to supporting single, widowed, divorced, and needy women and their children. She explained that this taxi service is a step towards addressing the challenges faced by women in terms of transportation and security. Looking ahead, the organization plans to expand the fleet of women-operated taxis to further enhance the initiative’s reach.
Mayor Surendra Chauhan praised the initiative, calling it a novel and much-needed service in Shimla. He acknowledged that while Himachal Pradesh is generally considered a safe state, women often experience feelings of insecurity, particularly when traveling alone. The women-operated taxis aim to alleviate these concerns and ensure women feel more secure during their commutes.
In a gesture of support for the initiative, Mayor Chauhan announced he would contribute half of his one month’s honorarium to assist the organization in its efforts. This new service is expected to be a game-changer for women in Shimla, offering them not only affordable transportation but also peace of mind as they travel around the city.
