More buses, CCTV cameras, dedicated helplines, and sensitised staff
Nayeema Noor
Public transport is meant to be a safe, reliable, and accessible service for all sections of society. However, for many girls and women, particularly in places like Kashmir, it often turns into a space of discomfort, anxiety, and silent suffering. Every day, countless female students and working women depend on buses, shared cabs, and auto-rickshaws for their daily commute. Yet, instead of feeling secure, many undertake these journeys with a constant sense of unease.
One of the most pressing issues is overcrowding. Public buses are frequently packed beyond their capacity, leaving little personal space and creating conditions where inappropriate physical contact can easily occur. In such situations, it becomes difficult to distinguish between accidental contact and deliberate misconduct, which emboldens offenders. Overcrowding not only compromises comfort but also significantly increases vulnerability.
The problem is not limited to physical harassment alone. Verbal abuse, lewd comments, staring, and inappropriate gestures contribute equally to creating a hostile environment. Such behaviour, though sometimes dismissed as “minor”, has a deep psychological impact. It instils fear, reduces confidence, and discourages women from travelling alone or freely. Over time, this restricts their mobility, independence, and participation in education and employment.
I would share an anecdote which would highlight how glaring the issue is. One day, while travelling in a bus, I witnessed an elderly, well-dressed man harassing a young girl, who appeared to be around 18 years old. Despite his respectable appearance, his actions clearly revealed his intentions. He was attempting to inappropriately touch the girl and make her uncomfortable. On witnessing this, I intervened immediately, raised my voice, and stepped forward to protect her. While the situation was controlled in that moment, the incident left a lasting impression on me.
Even after this, one cannot ignore the reality that such incidents continue to occur daily. In Srinagar and other areas, many young girls leave their homes every morning for school or college with the hope of reaching safely. Unfortunately, their journeys are often marked by fear and vulnerability.
This issue has become a serious yet under-discussed problem. Despite its prevalence, many cases go unreported due to fear of stigma, social judgment, or damage to reputation. There exists a culture of silence where victims hesitate to speak out, and bystanders often choose not to intervene. This silence indirectly enables such behaviour to persist.
Addressing the issue of women’s safety in public transport requires a comprehensive and sustained approach that combines infrastructural improvements, effective law enforcement, and a shift in societal attitudes. One of the primary steps that authorities must take is to strengthen public transport infrastructure so as to reduce overcrowding. Increasing the number of buses and ensuring greater frequency, particularly during peak hours, can significantly minimise congestion and create a safer and more manageable environment for passengers. When vehicles are not excessively crowded, the scope for inappropriate physical contact is reduced, and accountability becomes easier to enforce.
Equally important is the introduction and proper maintenance of surveillance systems within public transport. The installation of CCTV cameras in buses and other modes of transport can act as a strong deterrent against misconduct. However, the mere presence of cameras is not sufficient; they must be regularly monitored and supported by a system that allows authorities to promptly access recordings when required. Such measures not only discourage potential offenders but also provide crucial evidence in cases where complaints are filed.
In addition to surveillance, there is a pressing need to establish efficient and accessible complaint and support mechanisms. Women should have the ability to report incidents of harassment immediately through dedicated helplines or mobile applications, without fear of delay or dismissal. These systems must be responsive, with trained personnel capable of providing immediate assistance and ensuring that appropriate action is taken. A swift and sensitive response can greatly enhance trust in the system and encourage more victims to come forward.
Another significant aspect is the sensitisation and training of transport staff, including drivers and conductors, who are often the first point of contact in such situations. They must be equipped not only with the knowledge of how to handle incidents of harassment but also with a sense of responsibility towards passenger safety.
The role of society at large cannot be overlooked. Passengers must be encouraged to act as responsible bystanders rather than silent observers. A culture where individuals feel morally and socially obligated to intervene in cases of harassment can serve as a powerful deterrent. Even minimal acts of support, such as speaking up or standing beside a victim, can disrupt such behaviour and provide reassurance to those affected.
Ultimately, long-term change depends on transforming societal attitudes. Respect for women must be cultivated through education, awareness, and community engagement. Families, educational institutions, and social platforms must work collectively to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote values of dignity and equality. Only when such respect becomes deeply embedded in social behaviour can the problem be addressed at its root.
The writer is a law student at Kashmir University
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