Automated Parking & Free Sakhi EV Cab Service Launched in Dehradun — CM-Inspired Project to Ease Traffic & Empower Women.
Dehradun sets a new benchmark in smart city management and women empowerment.
Dehradun — Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Dehradun District Administration has taken a major step to ease traffic congestion and empower women through the launch of the “Automated Parking & Free Sakhi EV Cab Service” at Parade Ground.
The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday by MLA Khajan Das, Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, District Magistrate Savin Bansal and SSP Ajai Singh, who flagged off two new Free Sakhi EV shuttle vehicles operated under the Automated Parking Project.
🔹 Women Empowerment through First-of-Its-Kind Parking Model
For the first time in Uttarakhand, an Automated Parking facility is being managed entirely by a women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) under the NRLM scheme. The Krishna SHG, Vikasnagar, is currently operating the Parade Ground facility, generating an income of ₹29,120 per day — a figure steadily rising since launch.
This innovative step aims to create sustainable livelihood and empower rural women towards becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
🔹 Free Sakhi EV Shuttle: 5 KM Free Ride Zone
Two new Tata Punch EVs have been allocated for the “Free Sakhi Cab Service” under the project. These eco-friendly shuttles will drop passengers up to 5 km from the parking location at no cost, covering key areas like Rajpur Road, Secretariat, Paltan Bazaar, Clock Tower, and Gandhi Park.
Six additional EVs will soon be added to expand the service.
🔹 Key Routes & Stops Identified
The service will be operated on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with five major pickup/drop points:
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Parade Ground
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Gandhi Park
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Clock Tower
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Crossroads Mall
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Secretariat
🔹 Three Automated Parking Projects in the City
To resolve parking issues, three Automated Parking facilities with a total capacity of 261 vehicles have been developed at:
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Parade Ground – 111 vehicles
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Tibetan Market – 132 vehicles
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Coronation Hospital – 18 vehicles
All three will be formally dedicated to the public by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami soon.
🔹 Strict Action Against Illegal Parking
To curb unauthorized street parking, the administration has deployed a dedicated towing crane. Vehicles parked on busy roads like Subhash Road, Gandhi Park, and Clock Tower will now be seized.
🔹 Officials’ Remarks
MLA Khajan Das praised the administration’s efforts and said, “Such projects show the government’s commitment to easing urban life and empowering women.”
DM Savin Bansal added, “Under CM Dhami’s vision, the Automated Parking was built at one-third the cost of traditional parking. The Free Sakhi EVs are a step toward a clean, smart, and inclusive Dehradun.”
🔹 Dignitaries Present
Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, CDO Abhinav Shah, SSP Ajai Singh, SP Traffic Lokjit Singh, DTP Deepak Saini, and members of the Krishna Women SHG were present on the occasion.
