Tiruvannamalai gets auto stand for women drivers
Women autorickshaw drivers in Tiruvannamalai have been granted a dedicated stand at the new bus terminus to improve safety and customer access. The initiative, supported by local administration, faced minor protests from male drivers concerned about their own livelihoods.
Why it matters
This highlights local government efforts to promote gender inclusivity in public transport and the resulting socio-economic tensions in traditional labor sectors.
After nearly a decade of driving autorickshaws, a group of women drivers got a dedicated auto rickshaw stand for them at the newly opened ₹34-crore modern bus terminus on Chennai - Tindivanam Road on Saturday.
Officials of the Department of Transport said that the initiative was a joint effort of various stakeholders, including the State Highways Department, Tiruvannamalai Corporation, RTO, police and revenue department. “The initiative to provide a separate auto rickshaw stand for women drivers was the brainchild of Collector Vandana Garg. She instructed authorities to take necessary steps,” K. Balasubramanian, Commissioner, Tiruvannamalai Corporation, told The Hindu.
“A dedicated auto rickshaw stand for women drivers helps us get more customers, especially women travellers. We thank the district administration for the support,” said G. Devi, an autorickshaw driver.
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