UP ‘Sarathi Didi’ To Offer Women-Driven Rides, 24x7 Safety Monitoring And SOS Assistance Under Bharat Taxi Model

Lucknow, September 18 - The Uttar Pradesh government is set to introduce a women-driven travel service called 'Sarathi Didi', aimed at ensuring safer and more convenient journeys for women. Under this initiative, women passengers will have access to female drivers, 24/7 safety monitoring, and an SOS button for emergency assistance.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the development of this mechanism to provide a secure travel experience for women, especially those who travel alone for education, employment, or other purposes.

The 'Sarathi Didi' service is being integrated into the Bharat Taxi model, which will be extended to rural areas through the cooperation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). By leveraging the existing cooperative network, the government aims to expand ride-hailing and delivery services in villages, thereby increasing local transportation options. This integration of PACS with the 'Sarathi Didi' scheme will not only enhance rural mobility but also provide digital services and support to women drivers.

A key component of 'Sarathi Didi' is the training provided to women drivers in operating e-rickshaws, two-wheelers, and cabs. This training will not only equip women with new skills but also open up new employment opportunities in the transport sector. By empowering women to become drivers, the initiative fosters self-reliance and economic independence.

The 'Sarathi Didi' model aims to create a comprehensive safety and employment ecosystem for women. It addresses concerns related to women's safety during travel while simultaneously creating avenues for income generation. The scheme will benefit families, particularly those whose daughters travel alone, by reducing safety-related anxieties and providing a reliable transportation solution.

With the Bharat Taxi model being expanded from cities to villages, the government is poised to revolutionize rural connectivity. By leveraging the PACS network, the initiative seeks to integrate rural mobility with digital services, transforming primary agricultural credit societies into hubs for local transportation and delivery. This holistic approach to transportation aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that women have access to safe and convenient travel options regardless of their location.