Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has embarked on an innovative project to enhance urban amenities for women by introducing multi-utility vehicles equipped with essential facilities.
Following the installation of a pilot vehicle on Jawaharlal Nehru Road near Manohar Das Tarag a few months ago, the KMC is now planning to expand this service across various city locations. These specially designed multi-utility vehicles offer women access to toilets, breastfeeding rooms, and sanitary napkin vending machines. This initiative is part of KMC’s broader strategy to provide safe and hygienic public facilities for women. A KMC official stated, “We are currently awaiting user feedback. Based on the demand, we will deploy more such vehicles throughout the city.”
In the next phase, KMC plans to position these vehicles in key areas including BBD Bagh, the Park Street-Camac Street belt, Rabindra Sadan, Gariahat, Hatibagan, and Park Circus. Users will be able to access these facilities for a nominal fee, ensuring affordability while maintaining the sustainability of the service. The conception and design of these multi-utility vehicles were spearheaded by KMC. After the initial design phase, the civic body commissioned a vehicle manufacturing factory to produce these specialised units tailored to the needs of women. This initiative underscores KMC’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and addressing the specific needs of female residents and visitors.
A KMC official associated with the project emphasised the importance of security, noting that efforts are underway to ensure these vehicles are stationed in secure locations. This measure is intended to protect the vehicles and ensure a safe environment for the users. The introduction of these multi-utility vehicles is a significant step towards improving urban facilities for women in Kolkata. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for dedicated amenities that cater to the health, hygiene, and comfort of women in public spaces. This initiative is expected to greatly benefit women, particularly those who are out and about in the city for work, shopping, or leisure.
The pilot project’s success and the positive response from users will likely determine the speed and scale of the rollout. By providing essential facilities like toilets, breastfeeding rooms, and sanitary napkin vending machines, KMC aims to set a new standard for urban amenities and public health infrastructure. As Kolkata continues to modernise and expand, initiatives like these are crucial for creating inclusive and supportive urban environments. The KMC’s proactive approach in addressing these needs highlights the importance of thoughtful urban planning and the role of civic bodies in enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
