After nearly a decade navigating Tiruvannamalai's streets, a determined group of women auto rickshaw drivers finally have a place to call their own. On Saturday, authorities inaugurated a dedicated auto stand exclusively for female drivers at the town's sparkling new ₹34-crore bus terminus—a move that sparked both celebration and controversy.

Key facts

  • 250 sq.ft space allocated below bridge at terminus entrance
  • Stand operates free of cost on State Highways Department land
  • Initiated by Collector Vandana Garg through multi-department collaboration
  • Adequate lighting and police patrols promised for safety

A long-awaited safe haven

For years, these women drivers worked without a fixed parking spot, competing for space and customers in a male-dominated industry. Now, beneath a bridge at the terminus entrance on Chennai-Tindivanam Road, they have 250 square feet of secured space. Corporation officials confirmed the area will receive proper lighting, while the nearby police outpost ensures regular patrols—critical reassurances for women working odd hours.

Official backing and driver enthusiasm

The project represents a rare collaboration between the State Highways Department, Tiruvannamalai Corporation, RTO, police, and revenue department. Collector Vandana Garg championed the initiative, instructing authorities to "take necessary steps" according to Corporation Commissioner K. Balasubramanian.

“A dedicated auto rickshaw stand for women drivers helps us get more customers, especially women travellers. We thank the district administration for the support,”

G. Devi, an auto driver with nearly ten years of experience, voiced the relief felt by many of her colleagues. Her words carry the weight of someone who's waited too long for basic infrastructure that male drivers take for granted.

Not everyone celebrates

While women drivers welcomed the move, traditional auto drivers staged protests at the terminus on opening day. They argued that separating women drivers would divert customers—particularly women and senior citizens who might prefer female drivers—affecting their livelihoods. Officials intervened, and the protest dispersed peacefully, but the tension underscores the economic anxieties simmering beneath this progressive policy.

RTO officials say they'll provide guidance to help women drivers maintain stand norms properly. For now, these pioneers have gained more than just parking space—they've gained visibility, safety, and a foothold in an industry that's often pushed them to the margins.