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Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s plan to run “only-for-women” Tejaswini bus is proving to be a mirage. The ‘Women Special’ bus seems to have hit roadblock and stranded somewhere in the files of NMC administration.
Notably, the State Government had already provided Rs 9.50 crore grant to Nagpur Municipal Corporation for running ‘Tejaswini.’ The grant is lying unused in the office of District Collector for want of cooperation and coordination among ruling officer-bearers, transport department and others. Meanwhile, rumours taking rounds apprehended that the funds not used on time could be taken back by the state government.
The Rs 9.50 crore grant was to be used for purchase of five electric buses only. The government had cleared the proposal for the women’s special buses in November last year. The buses that will be fully reserved for women only will ply during the morning and evening peak hours, that is, from 7 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The government has decided to provide a financial assistance of Rs 50 crore as an initial cost for 150 Tejaswini buses to ply in other places including Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and Nagpur. The total cost for purchasing 300 buses is Rs 90 crores. The buses will be a big boost for ensuring the return of loyal commuters of the undertaking. As the rates will be at par with those of other regular services in the undertaking, women should be able to benefit from this move.
