Women in drivers’ seat of Punjab Roadways buses

LUDHIANA: Not content to take the rear seat while taking decisions about her own life, woman would soon be seen driving Punjab Roadways buses. The State transport is ready to launch driving school for ladies, after passing out from which the fair sex would be absorbed in-house. Roadways authorities believe that with this development, the shortage of bus drivers in the city would soon be over.Meanwhile, residents believe rigorous training is a pre-requisite putting them on the assignment.
Principal secretary of state transport DS Jaspal said, “Though we never had any prejudice against females, we realized that it needs rigorous training to drive public transport buses. Hence, we send a proposal to the ministry of transport to open women driving school. We are hopeful that we will get the permission and that aspiring female drivers will be interested in this.” “Though the project is still in its infancy, the trained lady drivers will be deputed initially in air-conditioned buses. Thereafter, they will start plying on all routes,” he added.
According to information, along with other areas in the state, the city is also facing an acute shortage of trained drivers. General manager of Punjab Roadways RS Grewal said, “From the past six years, there has no regular appointment of drivers here. During this time, some employees got retired while a few are on leave. We are managing the show with contractual drivers and so it becomes difficult to cater to all routes. We have been asking the higher ups for more staff.”
Residents said rigorous training is required before assigning a person duty of driving public transport bus. Raju Khullar, a regular commuter, said, “The plan is a praiseworthy step as ladies are hard working. But it is vital for the authorities to remember that driving for six to seven hours continuously is not easy. Imparting proper training to the candidates is essential before handing them the buses.”
Another commuter, Jitesh Singh, said, “Driving for long hours continuously, especially while on long-distance routes is not easy. The responsibility of transporting many commuters to their destinations requires well planned-out training. Besides, special driving test needs to be conducted before putting them on task.”