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Engaging with Government for Gender Inclusive Infrastructure and Policies in the Transport Sector
Azad has been engaging with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to strengthen gender-inclusive infrastructure and policies, ensuring safe facilities and sensitization workshops that support women drivers to thrive in public transport.
From Evidence to Action
After more than a decade of Azad’s engagement with the Transport Ministry, and with the government taking progressive steps towards gender inclusion, 93 women are now driving buses with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Acknowledging that it is not enough for women to enter but also sustain in the sector, Azad conducted a study on the status of women drivers in DTC in 2024, along with an audit of 8 bus depots where women are employed as drivers and conductors to understand their level of gender inclusivity.
While DTC’s efforts towards opening doors for women drivers in public transport are commendable, we still have a long way to go towards sustenance of women in the sector. Azad’s study revealed the need for gender-inclusive infrastructure and practices within depots, including hygienic and functional toilets, safe rest and recreation spaces, women-friendly facilities, effective grievance redressal mechanisms and gender sensitization of staff.
Building on the findings of the study, Azad continued its close engagement with the government towards a gender-inclusive public transport system:
Meeting with Sh. Prince Dhawan, Managing Director, DTC
On 9 Sep’2025, a team from Azad including Rajeshwari Balasubramanian (Thematic Lead: Research, Policy Analysis and Communications), Madhu Bala (State Lead, Delhi) and Kiran (Sakha Driver trained by Azad) met with Sh. Prince Dhawan, the Managing Director of DTC.
The team shared a letter highlighting immediate needs of the women drivers for hygienic and functional toilets, safe rest and recreation spaces and gender-sensitization of male DTC drivers and staff.
We received positive response from DTC with an approval to conduct regular gender-sensitization workshops for its male drivers and conductors. Azad began conducting the workshops on 15 September, 2025. DTC has also decided to incorporate the training module designed by Azad into its official curriculum. Azad hopes to continue working with DTC on improved infrastructural facilities for women drivers.
