Safe Mobility Drive: Hyderabad women facing harassment can now report directly to bus conductors

Hyderabad: In a decisive step to enhance women’s safety in public transport, the Telangana Police Women’s Safety Wing (WSW) has rolled out the Safe Mobility Initiative in collaboration with TGSRTC, Metro Rail, ICCC, Transport Department, private bus operators and auto drivers’ associations.

The initiative covers Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates, aiming to ensure swift redressal of harassment cases and create a secure travel environment for women and girls.

Quick complaint redressal

Women facing harassment such as groping, inappropriate touching or flashing can immediately report incidents to bus conductors, auto drivers or dial 100/112 directly. If conductors or drivers receive a complaint, they are required to alert emergency services without delay.

Role of first responders

Bus conductors and auto drivers have been designated as the first line of response. They will escalate complaints to police control rooms, triggering the dispatch of patrol vehicles.

Offenders will be handed over to the She Teams for further investigation. Each collaborating department will also appoint nodal officers to coordinate with WSW.

Ending the culture of silence

The initiative is designed to empower women who earlier hesitated to approach police stations over unknown offenders. Officials said real-time intervention will ensure that offenders cannot hide behind the anonymity of public spaces, while deterrence will come from prompt police action.

Real-time emergency integration

The system is directly linked to Dial 100/112. Control room staff will alert local police patrols, enabling swift on-ground response. Offenders will be apprehended and the cases investigated by SHE Teams.

Training for bus staff

TGSRTC bus conductors will receive training to act as first points of contact for victims of harassment. Private bus operators, metro staff and auto associations have also been roped in to follow standardised protocols for emergency coordination.

Changing perceptions on harassment

The WSW stressed that behaviours such as groping, flashing and eve-teasing are criminal offences and no longer to be dismissed as cultural or social norms. Public awareness efforts will run alongside enforcement measures to drive home the message that harassment will invite strict consequences.

Towards safer commutes

The Safe Mobility Initiative seeks to empower women commuters, involve fellow passengers, and strengthen accountability across the transport system.

Telangana Police said the collaboration reflects its firm commitment to building a safe, respectful and responsive public transport ecosystem. “Harassment will not be tolerated — anywhere, any time,” the Women's Safety Wing declared.