Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer has partnered with LaxmibaiMahilaNagrikSahakari Bank and SGS Motorsin Gwalior to launch the Veerangana Express – an affordable, comfortable, convenient and safe cab service for women, by womenin Gwalior. The Veerangana Express will use Tata Motors’ most acclaimed last mile passenger transport solution – the Tata Magic IRIS, a stylish, safe and comfortable alternative for commuters who depend on three-wheelers.
The Veerangana Express cab service managed by a group of Ladies, will plywithin Municipal limits in Gwalior. This programme has been funded by LaxmibaiMahilaSahakari Bank and is being supported by the District Collector and Transport Department. This serviceis being assisted by the District Industrial center by way of 30% subsidy (on-road price) under “MukhyaMantriSwarojgarYojana” which is an initiative by the Hon. Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking on this initiative,Mr. K Sanjeeva Rao, Ragional Sales Manager, SCV- Passenger, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, “We are delighted to associate with Veerangana Express, a uniquecustomer focused service aimed at supporting women commuters by women operators with one of our best solutions in last mile public transport-the Tata Magic IRIS. It will not only provide a safe, comfortable and convenient commuting option for all women customers but with its car-like easy driving dynamics, women will find it very easy to maneovour. It comes with several features and offers best-in-class operator economics, thus generating high savings and profits for the vehicle owners.”
Mrs. Alka Srivastava, Founder, LaxmibaiMahilaNagrikSahakari Bank, said,“Women Empowerment has been our organisation’s sole focus and through ‘Veerangana Express’ we will come closer to our vision of seeing more self-independent women in our society. We are glad that all government authorities and Tata Motors through its channel partner, SGS, Motors, are supporting this initiative. We hope the Veerangana Pink Cabs, which is for the women, by the women, will further encourage women, without having to worry about their commuting woes. Mrs. Alka Srivastava also spoke about the GPS (Vehicle tracking system) feature available in the Veerangana Express, which makes the women commuting safer in comparison to other vehicles in auto-rickshaw category.
VeeranganaExpress has been provided auto-rickshaw permits by Transport Department on girls school & college, girls hosteletc., within Municipal limits in Gwalior. Initially, total of eight, diesel-powered, Tata Magic IRIS auto-rickshaws have been introduced under this scheme which is expected to increase over a period of time. These auto-rickshaws, pink and white in colour, will be driven by women drivers, trained by M/S SGS Motors, an authorised dealer of Tata Motors as per the guidelines of Bank and District Administration.
Tata Motors has also partnered with a customer in Bhopal to run a similar service called, Shakti Express with 10 Tata Magic IRIS. The Company is also in discussion with Authorities in Indore to introduce this vehicle, under the programme, Ahilya Express service.
