The Motor Transport Department of the Mumbai Police will train 100 policewomen to drive police vehicles, including jeeps and heavy vehicles.
Mumbai Police Commissioner D.D. Padsalgikar issued instructions to this effect to the Additional Commissioner of Police (motor transport) earlier this year. Officials said the initiative will enable women police personnel to reach any spot where help is required without having to wait for a male driver.
Last year, the Chief Minister had allotted 92 special patrolling vehicles to the Mumbai Police for women’s safety. However, these are driven by male personnel due to the lack of women drivers on the force. Women personnel are currently being selected for the initiative, after which they will be trained at Mahul village. They will first have to drive three to five kilometres every day before they can be allowed drive on city roads, police officers said.
Mr. Padsalgikar said, “Our female personnel were hesitant initially, but are coming forward and volunteering,for the initiative.”
