JAMMU, Aug 7: Sapna Hindu, General Secretary of Hindu Vahini, has expressed deep concern over the reported incidents of alleged misconduct with women travelling in e-buses operating under the Smart City Project.
She stated that public transport is a reflection of a civilized society, and if women do not feel safe, respected, and secure while using it, the very objective of such development initiatives is defeated.
She said that the Smart City Project was launched to provide citizens with a modern, efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe public transportation system. The introduction of electric buses was aimed at making travel more convenient for all sections of society, especially women, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. However, reports of inappropriate behaviour towards women in these buses are alarming and require immediate attention from the concerned authorities.
Sapna Hindu emphasized that the dignity, safety, and equal rights of women must be protected at all times. Any form of harassment, verbal abuse, intimidation, or disrespect towards women in public transport is completely unacceptable. Such incidents not only violate the rights of women but also discourage them from using public transport, affecting their education, employment, and daily lives.
She urged the administration to conduct a fair, transparent, and time-bound inquiry into every complaint received. If any driver, conductor, or staff member is found guilty of misconduct, strict departmental as well as legal action must be taken without delay. Mere warnings or routine disciplinary measures are not enough; exemplary action should be taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Sapna Hindu also demanded that all CCTV cameras installed in Smart City e-buses should remain fully functional and be monitored regularly. CCTV recordings should be preserved for an appropriate period to facilitate impartial investigations whenever complaints arise. She further called for the display of emergency helpline numbers and a clear passenger grievance mechanism inside every bus.
She stressed that all drivers and conductors should undergo regular training on gender sensitivity, professional conduct, passenger rights, and legal responsibilities. Every employee associated with public transport must understand that courteous and respectful behaviour towards passengers is not optional but a fundamental responsibility.
To further strengthen women’s safety, she suggested the introduction of an effective emergency response system, GPS-based monitoring of buses, and a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism capable of responding promptly to complaints. Women passengers should have easy access to assistance whenever they feel unsafe during their journey.
Sapna Hindu also appealed to society to play an active role in ensuring the safety and dignity of women. She stated that while the government and administration have a legal responsibility, citizens also have a moral duty to support and protect women whenever they witness any form of harassment or misconduct in public places.
She urged the Smart City authorities and the Jammu administration to undertake a comprehensive review of the functioning of the e-bus service and identify any shortcomings in passenger safety, staff conduct, or grievance handling. She asserted that women’s dignity and security must remain the highest priority and that there should be zero tolerance for any act of misconduct.
Concluding her statement, Sapna Hindu expressed hope that the administration would treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate corrective measures. She said that a truly “Smart City” is not defined only by modern infrastructure and technology, but by how safe, respectful, and inclusive it is for women and every citizen. Ensuring a secure and dignified travel experience for all passengers should remain the cornerstone of the Smart City public transport system.