All-women bus depot opens amidst DTC workers' protest

NEW DELHI: In the past weeks of November, the inauguration of Delhi's first all-women bus depot, the 'Sakhi Depot' in Sarojini Nagar, coincided with a strike by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) women workers.

- SURUCHI KUMARI

The protest, led by drivers and conductors, raised concerns about pay disparity, job security, and working conditions, underlining persistent grievances within the transport sector.

On November 16, the Delhi government launched the 'Sakhi Depot', an all-women initiative designed to operate 70 buses, including 40 air-conditioned and 30 non-AC buses, covering 17 routes across the capital. While the depot's launch was hailed as a step forward for gender inclusion, the protests that followed the next day painted a stark picture of inequality within the workforce.

On November 17, DTC women workers staged a protest at the Sarojini Nagar depot, demanding equal pay and permanent job guarantees. The employees took a stand by halting bus departures until their voices were heard. The workers emphasised their lack of job security and the poor pay they receive despite performing the same duties as permanent employees. Many are on temporary contracts, including a significant number of the 18,000 conductors and 4,000 drivers.