Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has decided to launch the bus service exclusively for women to facilitate safe and comfortable journey. The bus service will begin from March 8 (International Women’s Day) connecting Twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The initiative came amidst the issue of women safety and growing number of crime against women after Delhi Gangrape. The bus service will provide huge relief for all sections of women, mostly working women and college/university students in Twin City.

For the first time, a lady conductor will be appointed for the bus to collect fare from the passengers. Even though, other buses reserve some seats for women, but most of the time the seats are occupied by men. However, the women bus service will provide a hassle-free journey to women between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

The initiative has been taken by the Department of Transport. The service will be flagged off by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Transport Bhavan premises.