Gangtok, October 18, 2025 — In an effort to improve safety and accessibility in public transportation for women, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (PS Golay) has announced the upcoming launch of ‘Pink City Runners’, a dedicated public transport service for female passengers in Gangtok and surrounding areas.
The initiative was announced by the Chief Minister during a recent public address, where he emphasized the government’s commitment to creating safe, affordable, and women-friendly urban transport options.
Women-Exclusive Service Operated by Women
The Pink City Runners service will be exclusively for women passengers, and will be operated by female drivers and female conductors. The government believes that this structure will help ensure a safer and more comfortable commuting experience for women, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
“The Pink City Runners will be driven by women and will have women conductors. This service is meant only for our lady passengers,” said CM Golay.
50% Fare Subsidy for Passengers
To make the service more accessible, the Chief Minister also announced that passengers using the Pink City Runners would be required to pay only 50% of the actual fare, with the remaining cost to be subsidized by the State Government. This move is aimed at making public transportation more affordable for working women, students, and daily commuters.
Focus on Safety, Employment, and Inclusion
In addition to enhancing safety for women in public spaces, the scheme is also designed to create employment opportunities for women in the public transport sector, which remains male-dominated in many parts of India.
The initiative aligns with the Sikkim Government’s broader policy focus on gender inclusivity, social equity, and women’s empowerment across various sectors.
Implementation Details Awaited
The government is expected to release more details soon regarding the implementation timeline, routes to be covered, and eligibility criteria for drivers and conductors. Training programs for women interested in joining the service are also likely to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Pink City Runners project reflects the growing recognition of the need for gender-sensitive urban infrastructure, and has been welcomed by various women’s groups, civil society organizations, and urban planning experts.
