In a significant move to bolster the safety of women commuters, the Telangana Police Women Safety Wing has rolled out a comprehensive, collaborative initiative. This extensive program brings together key players like TGSRTC, Metro Rail, the Transport Department, the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), along with private bus operators and auto drivers’ associations. The drive spans across the three commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda, demonstrating a widespread commitment to public safety.
This ambitious undertaking, a crucial component of the broader Safe Mobility Initiative, is meticulously designed to offer immediate and effective solutions to incidents of harassment encountered on both public and private transportation networks.
Immediate Help: Dial 100 or 112
At the heart of this initiative is a clear and direct reporting mechanism. Women who experience any form of sexual harassment, such as groping or flashing, are urged to instantly notify bus conductors, auto drivers, or directly use the emergency helplines by calling Dial 100 or 112.
Once alerted, front-line personnel, including conductors and drivers, are mandated to promptly escalate these complaints to emergency services. This swift action will trigger the deployment of police patrols and ensure immediate intervention by dedicated She Teams. For Metro passengers, similar safety protocols apply, allowing them to utilize the in-built alert system or directly contact emergency services for assistance.
To ensure seamless operation, each participating agency will designate a nodal officer responsible for coordinating with all organizations involved. The Women Safety Wing will maintain oversight, diligently monitoring investigations and tracking the outcomes of reported incidents.
This innovative framework is specifically engineered to dismantle the shield of anonymity that offenders have historically exploited in crowded public spaces. Authorities have observed that women often feel powerless or view harassment as an inescapable reality, believing that reporting against unknown perpetrators is futile. This new system, with its rapid intervention capabilities, aims to decisively deter such behavior and firmly establish accountability.
As part of the program, TGSRTC conductors will receive specialized training to serve as the initial point of contact for victims. Concurrently, patrolling units are tasked with ensuring a quick field response, promptly handing over any apprehended offenders to the She Teams for further necessary action. The entire initiative is seamlessly integrated with the Dial 100/112 emergency response system, ensuring real-time coordination and swift action.
The Women Safety Wing underscores that this effort extends beyond mere enforcement. By simplifying the reporting process and fortifying response mechanisms, the program aspires to fundamentally alter societal perceptions that have long normalized instances of eve-teasing and harassment, fostering a safer environment for all.