The SUVs, manned by at least three women police personnel, will reach the spot within 10 minutes of a distress call.
Ninety-four police vehicles across Mumbai to ensure safety of women and children - the idea is to reach within 10 minutes of a distress call. This was what the Devendra Fadnavis government implemented today - handing over the Super-Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the Mumbai police.
The Rs 7 crore project is the brainchild of the Chief Minister.
At least three women constables will be present in each vehicle at all times. The SUVs are fitted with Global Positioning System and in case of distress calls, the nearest one is meant to be rushed to the spot.
"As soon as we get a complaint for the control room, this car will reach the spot," said Vinay Kulkarni, Senior Inspector at Worli Police station. "Our Worli police station covers 2X2 sq. km area, so the car will reach the destination from where the complaint has been lodged within 3-4 minutes at the most."
In the days to come, women in distress will also be able to contact the nearest vehicle through a mobile app, sources said.
Mumbai saw over one lakh distress calls this year alone on helplines for women and children. The women in the city, therefore, are skeptical.
"It sounds great to have something like this in the city, but how convenient will this be? I have my doubts. All their call centers and helplines need to be active at every given point in time," said Benita Chacko who is a student in Mumbai.