Pink CNG rickshaws driven by women to dot Mira-Bhayander

Mumbai: The concept of e-rickshaws sought to transform the living standards of underprivileged women and fight the menace of pollution and traffic congestion but was bedevilled by a lack of charging facilities. The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), however, has chalked out an elaborate plan to introduce 100 pink autos in the twin-city.

The first batch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered autos will be rolled out on the occasion of International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2018. “The introduction of auto service with wo-men drivers will take care of two main issues: it will be conducive towards ensuring the safety of women commuters and will serve as a livelihood option for wom-en who don’t have high level of education or a college degree. Often, these wom-en are engaged in manual labour which involves long and arduous hours of work with low pay,” said BJP corporator Shanu Gohil, who heads MBMC’s women and child development welfare committee.

Underprivileged women including single mothers, widows and financially insecure women will have an opportunity to be self-sufficient. As of now, six women who have been identified to ply the pink autos and they are being imparted training under the aegis of the women and child welfare committee, officials said.