National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched a gender sensitisation campaign, ‘Aakankshaon Ke Pankh’, under the Nirbhaya Fund, aimed at improving awareness around women’s safety across its Namo Bharat network.
The campaign was inaugurated by Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, at the Sarai Kale Khan Namo Bharat station on 24, March, 2026. Among those present were Asha Devi and Badrinath Singh, parents of the 2012 Delhi rape and murder victim Jyoti Singh Pandey, and journalist Richa Aniruddha.
The initiative combines infrastructure measures with behavioural interventions. Planned steps include CCTV coverage outside stations, improved lighting, SOS features on the ‘Namo Bharat Connect’ app and a dedicated helpline. The campaign will also run awareness programmes such as street plays, workshops and community outreach activities.
“Ensuring a safe and respectful environment for every commuter is our core priority. At NCRTC, we understand that safety is a collective responsibility, it’s not just about infrastructure. Through ‘Aakankshaon Ke Pankh’, a campaign been undertaken for the next five years, we aim to build greater awareness and encourage social participation towards ensuring safe and reliable commute for women across the Namo Bharat system.” said Goel.
Asha Devi, addressing the gathering, spoke about her personal journey and noted that improvements in public transport systems are a positive step towards safer spaces for women.
“I came to Delhi nearly three decades ago to study, and as a mother of a daughter today, I can understand the fears my parents must have had. Today, after experiencing the commute in Namo Bharat, I can say with confidence that things are changing for the better. We have overcome apprehensions and are now taking flight on the wings of aspirations.” said Aniruddha. She added, “While NCRTC and the Government can take initiatives, their success ultimately depends on a change in mindset and the role each one of us plays as responsible bystanders.”
As part of the launch, NCRTC screened two films on gender sensitisation and women’s empowerment. A 'Gratitude Wall' was also installed at the station, allowing commuters to leave messages acknowledging influential women in their lives. The activation will remain in place over the coming months.
The campaign, planned over five years, signals a broader attempt to combine physical safety measures with public awareness, as transport authorities look to address both infrastructure gaps and social behaviour in urban mobility.
