The first bus service for women was flagged off by Avny Lavasa, DC from Leh gate on June 11. The bus service will ply at 7:30 pm daily from Leh to Choglamsar and Leh to Skalzangling.

Avny Lavasa, DC Leh said, “We started this bus service especially for the women who commute in the evening hours. The initiative is taken considering the demand from women groups for special bus services particularly during the business season when they work late evening in Leh town."

When asked about the shortage of buses in Leh, she informed that 45 new permits for buses are provided to streamline the public transport system.

Rinchen Lhamo, Nominated Councillor for Women said, “Absence of a bus especially for women compels them to close their shop early before dawn because of the fear of eve-teasing and drunkard passengers. They incur a loss in their business as compared to male counterparts during tourist season. There are also many students who go for tuition in the evening time.  This bus facility will be beneficial to many."

Lotus Zangmo, a passenger said, “It is really a good initiative of district administration. It was difficult for the women to travel during the night hours in the bus, but now with the start of bus service for women it will be easy and comfortable for us.” 

Amina Bano, another passenger said that it has brought great relief among the women with a sense of security and hustle free traveling in the day to day life.