Women police personnel will soon be deployed on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) Ladies Special buses operating on vulnerable, high-ridership routes, with support from women Home Guard marshals. Panic button alerts in buses will also be directly linked to Delhi Police’s 112 emergency response system.
New Safety Measures for Women Commuters
The Delhi government will also introduce women-only police stations across all police districts to handle crimes and complaints involving women and children. The measures were reviewed by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu during a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and Secretary (Transport) to strengthen safety measures for women commuters. The review followed the LG’s directions issued on June 3 to enhance security for women using public transport.
Officials informed him that the DTC had identified vulnerable routes with a high number of women passengers and sought the deployment of women police personnel on Ladies Special buses during peak hours. The Commissioner of Police told the LG that Delhi Police would provide the required personnel, while women Home Guard marshals could also be deployed on these buses.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Harassment
Sandhu directed officials to ensure strict implementation of safety measures and adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment. He stressed the need for visible action on the ground. Officials said the deployment of women police personnel would help prevent harassment, deter troublemakers, and provide security to passengers while boarding and getting off buses.
The Ladies Special buses will initially operate on identified routes connecting remote areas of Outer Delhi and will be staffed entirely by women personnel, as per the LG’s directions. In a technology-based safety measure, panic button alerts installed in buses will be integrated with Delhi Police’s 112 emergency response system. The move will enable faster coordination between transport authorities and police, ensuring immediate assistance to women passengers in distress.
Women-Only Police Stations on the Horizon
The Commissioner of Police also informed the LG that plans for women-only police stations dedicated to crimes and complaints involving women and children were ready for implementation. The first such station is expected to open soon, with similar facilities planned across all police districts.
