Salmon colour rickshaws to rule Thane streets soon

From January 6, a fleet of 25 hi-tech salmon-coloured rickshaws driven by women will make their presence felt on Thane streets.  What is special about these rickshaws is that they are equipped with WiFi, GPRS and safety features. 

After 9pm, the streets of Thane wear a deserted look, and travelling in and around the city becomes a safety concern. There have been times when even around 8.30pm women commuters have faced molestation and other safety issues. But the increasing number of women drivers is now here to take care of women commuters.  

With the new launch, the total number of salmon-coloured rickshaws in Thane will be around 50 and this has happened within a period of 8 months. The uniqueness about these rickshaws, apart from their pleasant colour, is the fact that they are fully equipped with some modern facilities. Another useful feature is the panic button fitted in the steering, which is linked through GPRS.

In case there are unruly passengers, the driver has to just press this button and an SMS alert will be sent to the RTO, police control and her relatives. It will also inform them about the vehicle’s location making it easier for the authorities to reach for help.