Bengaluru: The state will soon have an exclusive driving training institute for women at Bidadi industrial area on the outskirts of Bengaluru.The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will develop the facility, which will include a driving track, training buildings, and other supporting infrastructure. Reviewing the transport department’s ongoing projects, transport minister Byrathi Suresh said the centre will train women to obtain driving licences across all vehicle categories, from two-wheelers to heavy vehicles. He added that the initiative is aimed at promoting women’s economic self-reliance by expanding their employment opportunities.The institute will be set up as a joint initiative of the Central and state govts. Karnataka-based women’s organisation AWAKE (Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka) will provide skill-based training, including driving and other vocational programmes, the minister said.Officials said the training institute will be developed on five acres of land and will include both residential and non-residential training facilities for women once operational.Transport Bhavan constructionConsidering that the transport commissioner’s office is currently functioning from a rented building in Shanthinagar, the department is exploring the possibility of constructing its own dedicated building.The minister suggested examining the feasibility of building a ‘Saarige Bhavan’ on about one acre of KSRTC-owned land in Shanthinagar. He directed officials to prepare a proposal for construction using departmental resources, ensuring that it does not impose any financial burden on the govt.He also instructed officials to take steps to fill more than 150 vacant posts of vehicle inspectors and other positions in the regional transport department.
