For 42-year-old B. Kalaiarasi, life became a struggle after her husband, a police inspector, became unwell and her son had to remain at home to take care of him. She has now been given employment by the Anns Forum Rotary International and Chennai city police. She is the first Pink auto rickshaw driver in the city.
The Rotary International District 3232 Anns Forum convenor Nallammai Ramanathan came up with the concept of Pink autorickshaws to empower downtrodden women. These autorickshaws will be driven by women and the first beneficiaries are wives of policemen. Male passengers, unless they are travelling with a woman, cannot travel in the vehicle. The first person to receive the vehicle was Kalaiarasi, wife of R. Balasubramanian, 53, an inspector with the Armed Reserve. She said that it would be very helpful for her as she now sells soup outside the Pudupet police quarters. “My husband developed back problems after a road accident. He is under treatment. My son Ramkumar, a graduate, is often at home to take care of him,” she told The Hindu.
Fitted with GPS
The autorickshaws are expected to benefit women commuters. Painted pink, the vehicles can be found across the city, especially near Metro stations and bus stands.
“They are are fitted with GPS and electronic meters,” said Abirami Ramanathan, MD, Abirami Mega Mall.