Bengaluru: Women, differently abled drivers to steer buggies at rail station
Women and different able drivers will steer the battery operated carts, commonly called as Buggies.
Bengaluru: Women and different able drivers will steer the battery operated carts, commonly called as Buggies, in Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station. Inaugrated on Wednesday, by South Western Railway Bengaluru Division and Maini Material Movements Private Limited, 7 Battery Operated Carts have been introduced. " 20 people have been hired to drive the buggies, half of whom are women and differently abled people. They have been trained for 2 months in our factory, on maneuvering through human traffic of the crowded platforms and have also acquired soft skills," said Sandeep Maini, Chairman of Maini Group.
Divisional Railway Manager RS Saxena said, " This 24/7 service will benefit all commuters, especially senior citizens, differently abled passengers, ladies. Anyone can hire it from the entry point of the station going to all 10 platforms at Rs 20."
"Passengers can use SMS or call over phone for booking the cart, through the IRCTC Web site. Kiosks for the same will be present in KSR station as well," Saxena informed, adding that they were eco-friendly and soundless. " 3 plus 1 people can be seated in the cart. Luggage space and size restrictions will be decided upon by Railways. Each cart costed Rs 4 lakh . Based on the response, the Railways would take it forward with a proper tender process to implement the same in Yeshwanthpur Railway station' Mr. Maini said.
Provided under the ‘Sarathi Seva’ service of Railway Budget 2016-17, the project is funded by the company that previously implemented buggies at Rashtrapathi Bhavan, international and domestic airports, historical monuments, etc.
In order to ensure effective communication all the booking operators shall be well-versed in Kannada, English and Hindi. With a life expectancy of 20 year, the company is hopeful for recovering the cost in 2-3 years.