Meet Laxmi Jhadav from Mumbai, the first woman driver of the BEST bus fleet

Adding a new dimension to the phrase, 'the hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world', the 42-year old Laxmi Jhadav has become the first woman driver of the BEST bus fleet. As per the reports, this recruitment marks the beginning of women's representation in the near-century-old public transport service in Mumbai. While Jhadav is expected to start service from next week, more women drivers and conductors will be soon be seen driving the classic red-coloured buses.

Travellers on the bus route between Dharavi bus depot and South Mumbai will be driven around by Laxmi Jhadav from May 27 or 28. Reportedly, two more women drivers will join the service in the coming days. However, the BEST is not hiring these women directly on a payroll. The female staff will be recruited on a wet-lease. Going by reports, the plan of action aims to induct over 70 women bus conductors to the BEST fleet.

At present, the BEST has a total staff count of 3,200 drivers and 4,100 conductors, to operate about 3,500 buses under its undertaking. This includes both wet-leased mini and midi buses and owned vehicles, as well.