The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) on Saturday launched the ‘Pink Bus’ service in Guwahati for women and senior citizens of the state. The ‘Pink Bus’, has been launched under a new scheme called ‘Bhraman Sarathi’,which is a free, dedicated bus service for women and senior citizens of the State for travel within Guwahati.

The service will not only ensure safe and comfortable travel but will also encourage the target groups to use public transportation instead of private vehicles, said a statement. These buses, painted in pink, will ply on some of the busiest routes of the city through the day and will provide fast, safe and easy mobility to women and senior citizens.

Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday launched the service at an event at Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara. “Transport services must be made accessible to all sections of the populace irrespective of gender. Safe transport services are a basic right of all, especially for women and senior citizens of the State,” Sonowal said.

The routes to be covered by the 25 buses are– Khanapara-Jalukbari via Paltan Bazar, Forest Gate-Jalukbari via Chandmari, Basistha Mandir-Jalukbari via Paltan Bazar, Khanapara-Jalukbari via NH/ ISBT and Game Village/ Bhetapara-Jalukbari via Paltan Bazar.