Delhi pubs to drop women home

NEW DELHI: The recent rape of an MNC executive in a cab has rekindled the debate over safety of women in the capital. But that doesn't mean that Delhi won't have fun on New Year's Eve. There will be parties and more parties that will go on till the New Year sun smiles on the city. In the spirit of the occasion, some city bars have decided to offer free and safe rides back home to women who are alone.

"There is no denying that every hangout is struggling with bookings this year because of the safety concerns and the ban on some radio taxis. But these are not the only reasons why we are providing free rides. The safety of our women clients is of prime importance, and that's why this service has become very crucial for us," said Rajeev Bajaj, VP operational, The Hiatus, Qutab Institutional Area.

Quote Bar at Connaught Place is another late-night joint, which is offering cab services to their patrons. Its director Arjun Khurana said, "We always escort women to their cars or to the parking; the cab services are an extension."

The cabs will be of private operators. "We are discussing the deal with a lot of taxi operators because we just don't want to tie up with the wrong people," said Umang Tiwari of OTB. A few joints have gone ahead and hired agencies that will run background checks on the cabbies. IDs of all party walkers will be checked and stags will be barred.

Ricky Teja, owner, Summer House Cafe, said, "As Hauz Khas is the melting point of the party scene in Delhi, we have to be more careful. Our women bouncers who will also run a background check on all drivers."