Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Saturday inaugurated the world’s first all-women bus depot at Sarojini Nagar, named ‘Sakhi Depot’.

Speaking at the inauguration, Gahlot praised the efforts of the women workforce.

“The ‘Sakhi Depot’ is not only a symbol of women’s empowerment, but a testimony to the removal of barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Our drivers are paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive society. This filing is just the beginning; our aim is to establish many such depots across Delhi under the ‘Sakhi’ initiative, providing equal opportunities and inspiring women across the country,” he said.

The Sarojini Nagar Sakhi depot has 223 women workers, including 89 drivers and 134 conductors. The depot operates a fleet of 70 buses, including 40 air-conditioned (AC) buses and 30 non-AC buses, serving 17 routes across Delhi.

Department of Transportation officials said one significant barrier was the height requirements for female drivers.

“The original requirement of a minimum height of 159 cm excluded many aspiring female drivers. In February 2022, the height requirement was reduced to 153 cm. To further facilitate women’s driving, the buses have been equipped with power steering, adjustable seats and steering options, making them more accessible and easier to use,” they said.

To address the challenge of obtaining heavy vehicle (HMV) permits, the Delhi government has partnered with Ashok Leyland in April 2022 to launch Mission Parivartan. The initiative provides free training to female drivers, the costs of which are split between the Delhi government and Ashok Leyland.

The first batch of 11 women drivers graduated and joined the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in August 2022, an official said.

“Over time, additional groups of female drivers have been recruited, bringing the current number to 89 female drivers who have been driving buses with confidence for over a year, some with over two years of experience,” added the responsible.

Formerly known as Sarojini Nagar Depot, Sakhi Depot holds significant importance in Delhi’s transport history. It was inaugurated in April 1954 and became Delhi’s first-ever bus depot.

Delhi BJP President Shri Virendra Sachdeva has accused the AAP government of being “misleading”. “The AAP makes announcements only for political gains without adhering to constitutional norms,” he said.

“After 10 years of inaction, Gahlot today inaugurated a women-only bus depot in Sarojini Nagar, touting it as an example of women’s empowerment in politics. However, DTC women employees protested, thereby denouncing the government’s stance towards contractual workers,” Sachdeva added. He criticized the AAP government for its “anti-women and anti-contract policies for workers”.

“The Delhi BJP promises that after forming the government in February 2025, we will form a committee to ensure that all male and female contractual employees of the DTC are paid salaries almost equal to those of regular employees. Additionally, to enhance the safety of the service, 2,000 new buses will be introduced in the DTC within two years,” he said.