The Managing Director of NCRTC, Shri Shalabh Goel, launched a gender sensitization campaign titled ‘Aakankshaon Ke Pankh’ at the Sarai Kale Khan Namo Bharat station on Tuesday, 24th March 2026. The campaign has been launched under the Nirbhaya Fund of the Government of India with the objective of sensitizing commuters, raising awareness on women’s safety, and highlighting the various initiatives undertaken across the Namo Bharat system to ensure a safe travel environment. Parents of Nirbhaya, Mrs Asha Devi and Mr Badrinath Singh, along with noted journalist, talk show host, and motivational speaker Ms Richa Aniruddha, graced the occasion as special guests. Director/Finance, Mrs Namita Mehrotra and senior officials of NCRTC, along with representatives of partner organisations, were also present.
The campaign was formally launched by MD, NCRTC, with the screening of a video showcasing various initiative planned to be undertaken under this campaign across the Namo Bharat system. These include CCTV surveillance outside of station premises to ensure safe access, well-lit station surroundings, SOS features in the ‘Namo Bharat Connect’ mobile application for emergency situations, and a dedicated women’s safety helpline for prompt assistance. The initiative also includes spreading awareness and gender sensitization through films, nukkad nataks, workshops, and community engagement activities, aimed at fostering a safe, respectful, and empathetic travel environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC, said, “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.”
Mrs Asha Devi, mother of Nirbhaya, also addressed the gathering. She talked about her challenging journey and expressed her happiness that the scenario is changing. She mentioned that the systems like Namo Bharat are a welcome beginning, and such initiatives are crucial to pave the way for a better future for women.
Ms Richa Aniruddha also shared her thoughts on the issue, recounting a personal experience. “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.” She also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, adding, “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 event, two films produced by NCRTC on the themes of gender sensitization and women empowerment were premiered. A ‘Gratitude Wall’ was also inaugurated, where guests shared handwritten notes acknowledging and paying respect to the women who have influenced their lives. The wall will remain at the station over the coming months, encouraging commuters to participate and show their gratitude to important women of their lives. A nukkad natak and gender sensitization workshop for the drivers of last-mile connectivity vehicles was also organized as part of the awareness initiative.
In order to communicate key messages of the campaign, banners and posters have been placed inside trains and at station premises, highlighting everyday situations related to gender sensitivity and respectful conduct.
The campaign focuses on building awareness around gender sensitivity, recognising the challenges faced by women commuters, and emphasising the role of bystanders in ensuring safety. With ‘Aakankshaon Ke Pankh’, a campaign been undertaken for the next five years, NCRTC takes a step forward in strengthening not just systems, but mindsets, recognising that a truly safe public transport environment is built through awareness, empathy, and shared responsibility. The initiative reaffirms NCRTC’s commitment to ensuring that every journey on the Namo Bharat network is safe, inclusive, and respectful.
