Bus Marshal Strength Raised To 13,000 Says Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

The Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr Arvind Kejriwal, said that starting today, marshals would be deployed in every bus to ensure women safety. He also said that these 13,000 marshals would also help the sick, and deal with other emergency situations. The Minister was also rather excited that Delhi became the only city-state to deploy marshals in buses.

The Chief Minister urged new Marshal Services recruits to ensure women felt comfortable in buses, and that he was assigning them the duty of women-safety. The day also marks the roll-out of the ‘free ride for women’ scheme for both the DTC and cluster bus fleets.

Mr Kejriwal said that he announced the 'free-ride' service on Raksha Bandhan, and that he had ‘gifted it to his sisters', which would ensure their safety. He then called himself the elder son of the ‘Delhi' family, and said that his government would bear the costs of women passengers while referring to them as his sisters, mothers and daughters.

Crime rates at Delhi are high. Crimes against women (especially those who travel by bus) that are currently trying to be contained are chain snatching, bag snatching, and eve teasing. The government is hoping that the presence of more marshals will keep perpetrators at bay.

The move would help achieve a certain degree of safety and security of women in Delhi. All new buses now feature CCTV cameras, and panic buttons, both a much needed combination in India's public transport systems. In closing Mr Kejriwal said that the buses also featured hydraulic lifts for differently abled passengers.

Thoughts About An Increase In The Number Of Bus Marshals

An increase in Marshal Services helps, but not at potential. The sheer number of people traveling during peak hours makes it a very difficult task. While the idea is really good, only time will tell if it works for the long run. We're sure the move will improve safety for the short term.

We also think Mr Kejriwal was using the event to buy votes. First with the ‘Raksha Bandhan brother-gifts-sister' thing and then with the hydraulic lifts. The daughters, sisters, and mothers part was very Bollywood. Entertaining as always Mr Kejriwal, slow clap sir!