In a major boost to women’s safety and economic independence, the Telangana Women’s Safety Wing has launched ‘Stree Ride,’ a unique initiative introducing an all-women fleet of cabs, autorickshaws, and electric bikes. Officially flagged off by DGP CV Anand yesterday, the program enables female commuters to book rides driven exclusively by women through popular aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

 

Under this initiative, the Women’s Safety Wing selected 55 women through its portal and provided them with professional driving training alongside financial assistance to purchase electric vehicles. The initial cohort comprises 50 bike riders, four auto drivers, and one cab driver, all integrated into major mobility service networks for immediate employment.

 

Speaking at the launch, Women’s Safety Wing DG Charu Sinha hailed the initiative as a movement empowering women with self-confidence and financial freedom. DGP CV Anand lauded the entry of women into the gig economy, emphasizing that the active participation of women in the workforce is vital for economic growth. He encouraged the newly minted drivers to face challenges resiliently, drawing inspiration from female fighter pilots. Senior officials from the transport, police, and women’s welfare departments also attended the event.