Soon, over a dozen women to steer Kochi Metro e-feeder autorickshaws

Training for 1st batch of 17 women nearing completion, 2nd batch of 20 women being trained

- KRISHNA KUMAR K E @Kochi

NOT many women had turned up to steer Kochi Metro's feeder autos christened 'Commuto' when the electric vehicles were introduced last year, but the scenario is set for a major change. Thanks to Kochi Corporation's initiative to provide free training to women to drive e-autos, over a dozen trained women are set to take up piloting duty soon.

"The training for the first batch of 17 women is nearing completion. We have also started the training for the second batch, which comprises 20 women. Upon completing the training, they will be deployed in both e-feeder autos and e-autos as per their preference," said Adarsh Kumar G Nair, Director, SCMS School of Engineering and Technology (SIRST).

SIRST recently entered into a pact with the Ernakulam Jilla Auto Drivers Cooperative Society (EJADCS), which is operating the Kochi Metro e-feeder autos on a rental basis. As per the agreement, the society should deploy women to operate e-autos in the city, for which they will be paid a fixed salary based on the collection.