Himachal Pradesh: State's Only Woman Bus Driver Helps People Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Seema Thakur, who lives with her father, mother and brother, said she is proud to drive one of the 3,100 buses of the HRTC. The lone woman driver among a total of 8,813 employees of HRTC, Seema added that she felt happy to be a part of the team of frontline warriors amid the coronavirus crisis.

"I am the first woman bus driver in the state of Himachal Pradesh. I joined HRTC as a driver on May 5, 2016. I am serving amid the COVID-19 period too. Doctors, nurses and police women are also serving right now. I feel I am fulfilling a similar kind of duty," Seema told ANI.

Seema added that while she is in constant fear due to COVID-19, she is taking all safety precautions.

"I feel happy to serve the people as a bus driver. I do have a constant fear when I enter home after my duty but we are trying to follow all precautions and guidelines. I would appeal to everyone that we need to practice self-discipline to keep ourselves safe from coronavirus," she said.

Amid the lockdown and after, Seema helped the people by running a special local bus after the state transport corporation gave the go-ahead to resume bus services with 100 per cent seating capacity. The local residents and commuters are also impressed with Seema's service towards the citizens amid the pandemic.

"It is a proud moment and I feel happy that a young girl is serving the people during the times of COVID-19. She is a brave girl and the only woman driver in the region. I would tell others to come forward and serve humanity and make Himachal Pradesh a proud state," Meena Adhikari, an elderly woman commuter in the bus, said.