Kozhikode: Women auto drivers to guide tourists

KOZHIKODE: Women auto drivers in the city will soon be part of a brigade to guide tourists, especially, women travellers. They will be trained by an NGO, Kabani that conducts tours and promotes trips and local specialities. The drivers were selected and introduced to the team by the Kasaba police. Currently, 16 women drivers are in the city of which nine have been initiated into the project, said Kasaba CI Pramod P. Once the project turns successful, transgenders also would be introduced to the project.

“This sidelined community will also get an opportunity to make a living and be independent. Training and guidance will be given by the police,” said the CI. The NGO promotes authentic travel experiences and gives space for ‘experiencing’ the soul of the land, instead of just seeing a place, says Sreejith P. Nair, Operations lead of Kabani. “When the tourists are taken in autos, that too driven by women, they get to know the land more closely. These women have to be trained on hospitality, language and security issues. The preliminary selection procedures are on,” said Mr Sreejith. As a first step, the drivers would be given introduction classes, followed by lessons in training. Considering the safety aspect of both passengers and drivers, security will be taken care of by the police.