APSRTC to train its drivers in self-defence

Hyderabad: In view of passenger safety, particularly women’s safety in the city, APSRTC plans to train drivers, conductors and women drivers in self-defence techniques to be able to react to emergency situations on  moving buses.

A mandatory clause for all drivers and conductors is to report all incidents of harassment of women passengers and act immediately failing which they are likely to lose their job.

With the new initiative, the corporation aims to making bus travel safer for commuters.

Barring minor incidents of misbehaviour, in both private as well as APSRTC buses, officials say no incident has been reported by women as they prefer to ignore such incidents.

“The number of incidents of misbehaviour, molestation, obscenity and sexual harassment from co-passengers during night travel may be higher. The idea is to train drivers and conductors in self-defence so that they can intervene and stop such incidents and tackle the miscreants.”