Limited public transport for women hits IT hub

Hyderabad: Despite boasting of being the No. 3 IT destination in the world and aiming for the top position, Hyderabad offers very limited options for women who are dependent on public modes of transport.

The reach of RTC buses and MMTS trains is very limited in the IT corridor  and other developing areas, and cab services, autorickshaws and even shared autos do not inspire much confidence, say women. Many IT companies have also set up shop in secluded corners of the city and not all provide transport facilities to all employees.

Isolated places within the financial district, Pocharam and Adibatla are examples of areas with no safe public modes of transport. “Women feel threatened to take late-night-nearly-empty buses, walking down by-lanes from the bus stations and MMTS stations to hiring cabs or auto-rickshaws,” said Pallavi Ravi, a techie. The RTC has also not been able to publicise  bus routes.

RTC authorities say that despite offering exclusive bus services to IT companies (under tie-ups), the latter has not responded. “It is safer for women to travel in RTC buses along with other professionals and a conductor,” said a senior RTC official.