Women stepping out of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) can now rely on cabs meant exclusively for them.

Launched here on Monday by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL), the new cabs — with women drivers in pink uniforms — are aimed at strengthening the safety and security of women passengers.

A release said the drivers will be fluent in multiple languages, well-versed with local areas, and trained in self-defence. The cabs will be equipped with safety features such as GPRS tracking and an SOS switch.

The initiative has been launched on an experimental basis, the release said.

“This concept has been implemented with the objective of providing a safe and secure mode of transport for women travellers from the airport, while simultaneously creating opportunities for women drivers to be self-employed and empowered,” said Kumar Pushkar, managing director, KSTDC.

Hari Marar, managing director and CEO, BIAL, said: “At the airport, safety and security of women passengers is of prime concern. This is another step in our endeavour towards ensuring 100% safety.”

The service will be operational round the clock and has been priced at ₹21.50/km during the day (6 a.m. to 11.59 p.m.) and ₹23.50/km at night (midnight to 6 a.m.).

Fog causes delay

Meanwhile, fog continued to wreak havoc on flight schedules at the KIA, with departure delays for 41 flights and arrival delay for one flight. One Indigo flight from New Delhi was diverted to Hyderabad.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – January 08th, 2019