Kochi:
With the support of the Kerala government, a women-only cab service called "She Taxi" was launched in Kochi on Wednesday to ensure safety and empowerment of the fairer sex.
Kochi is only the second city after Thiruvanathapuram in India to have such a facility focused for women.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy launched the "She Taxi" facilities at an event here. A similar service was introduced in Thiruvanathapuram six months ago.
Kerala government's department of social justice is backing the venture which has been conceived and implemented by The Gender Park and has actress Manju Warrier as its goodwill ambassador.
"She Taxi has become a women empowerment model for countries across the globe to emulate," Chandy said at the launch event.
"The She Taxi has grabbed global attention after its successful introduction in Thiruvanathapuram. Even the authorities in the UAE are actively looking at the possibility of similar cab services for women," he said.
To begin with, Kochi will have a fleet of ten cabs. Later, Kozhikode will become the third city in the state to launch She Taxis, said M.K. Muneer, Kerala's minister for panchayats and social justice.
"We are planning to roll out 250 She Taxi cabs in all major cities across the state," said Muneer.
She Taxi was launched in Thiruvananthapuram Nov 19, 2013, with five cabs.
The customised pink-and-white taxis, supplied by Maruti Suzuki India, are fitted with best-in-class technology such as GPS, precision metering systems and in-car LCD systems. They also have a number of safety features such as emergency alert switches for drivers and passengers and safety alert mobile application for women drivers.