125 breastfeeding rooms to come up at ST bus stations with Toyota CSR funds
Maharashtra's ST corporation has tied up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor to build 125 'Hirkani' rooms for mothers at bus stations.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST) has taken a major decision keeping in mind the safety, health and dignity of women passengers. The corporation has signed an agreement with Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited under which 125 'Hirkani' rooms will be built at ST bus stations across the state.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik were also present on the occasion.
The purpose of these 'Hirkani' rooms is to allow women, especially breastfeeding mothers, to use a clean, safe and private space to care for their child during travel. The initiative is seen as significant in bringing sensitivity and facilities related to motherhood to ST stations.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor will support the entire project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. As per the agreement, pre-fabricated 'Hirkani' rooms measuring around 3 metres by 3 metres will be built at ST bus stations across the state. These rooms will give mothers a safe and private space for breastfeeding and childcare. The project also includes necessary furniture, fixtures, internal wiring, electrical arrangements and electronic equipment.
Under the plan finalised in the agreement, a total of 125 rooms are targeted to be built over three financial years. Fifty rooms will be built in 2026-27, fifty in 2027-28 and twenty-five in 2028-29. However, the agreement also clarifies that this number could change if needed, depending on CSR policy, availability of space and local requirements.
The ST corporation's responsibilities for the project have also been fixed. The corporation will have to provide around 5 metres by 5 metres of space, cooperate on electricity, water and installation, and secure the necessary government permissions. Once the project is complete and the material and facilities are handed over to the corporation, the full responsibility for running, securing, repairing and maintaining these rooms will rest with ST.
Notably, ST will not make any financial contribution towards this agreement. The entire project will be funded by Toyota Kirloskar's CSR funds.
Transport Minister and ST Corporation chairman Pratap Sarnaik said the 'Hirkani' rooms are not just a facility project but a sensitive step taken towards respecting motherhood, understanding women's needs and building a passenger-centric ST system.
