Mumbai’s Laxmi Jadhav Becomes The First Woman To Drive BEST Bus

41-year-old Laxmi Jadhav, resident of Mulund suburb, in north-east Mumbai is going to be the first woman to work the BEST bus since the establishment of the Mumbai transport corporation in 1926.

Hired by lease operator Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions Pvt Ltd., which runs 400 buses for BEST enterprise, Laxmi underwent concentrated training. Two other women have also been hired to drive the buses. 

Suggested Reading: Why Women Driving Is Still A Rare Sight In Indian Advertisements

Laxmi Jadhav First Woman To Drive BEST Bus

According to TOI, BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra said, "It is going to be a historic occasion as a woman, for the first time, will be behind the wheel of a BEST bus. A total of three women drivers have been selected but the first one to operate the bus will be Laxmi Jadhav."

Rishi Tak of  Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions Pvt Ltd., said, "We have around 90 women conductors who have been doing a fantastic job. BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra had also suggested that we recruit women drivers. We too wanted to do our bit in taking the idea of women empowerment forward by recruiting them."

According to reports, Laxmi was attracted to the job of a BEST bus driver because it allows a stable income and provident fund. She had registered in Dindoshi depot to learn to drive BEST buses and received a license in 2019. BEST already has around 90 women conductors.

With inputs from the TOI, Laxmi says, “I have been attracted to the driving profession right from childhood. I used to do odd jobs with a travel agency where I learnt to drive vehicles like BMW and Mercedes.” She further adds, “I have always received whole-hearted support. My elder son is studying engineering and my younger one is pursuing graduation in the commerce stream.”