“Delhi women can now feel assured of their safety even during the late hours, as we stand ready to protect and assist them,” said Rishi Raj, 65, a retired Inspector from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Raj is among a cohort of ex-servicemen poised to serve the nation once more, albeit in a different role.
Launching on May 15 in Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, Cabs Paraforce – Ride With Pride – will feature ex-defence personnel at the wheel and in command. The initiative aims to bolster safety for women in Delhi and beyond while offering employment opportunities to retired servicemen.
Raj told Patriot that a soldier never retires from his work. “It’s an honour for us to continue serving our nation and its citizens. While our service once bore the uniform, this time, it’s without. A soldier’s duty is an unyielding pledge,” he said.
“We’re eager to take the wheel and instil a sense of security nationwide. With a soldier at the helm, worries dissipate,” shares Raj, who served in J&K’s Baramulla district with the 53 Battalion in 2009.
He stresses that driving is not beneath their dignity. “Throughout our service, we’ve been trained in various facets of life. Whether it’s constructing bunkers or upholding hygiene, we’re well-prepared. Driving is not demeaning; rather, our nation stands to benefit from our expertise,” he added.
DP Punia, also a retired Inspector from the CRPF, asserts their suitability as cab drivers. “Discipline and safety are ingrained in our training. We’ll apply these principles to ensure passengers’ safety, particularly women,” he said.
“In addition to enhancing security, this initiative provides a vital source of livelihood for ex-servicemen and their families, who have sacrificed for the nation,” says Punia, whose service spanned volatile regions like Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland.
“Our reputation alone is a deterrent to those who disturb the city’s peace, particularly making it challenging for women to travel at night. Through these cab services, we assure their safety,” said Balveer Singh, a former soldier from Haryana who served in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Jagdish Singh Ratti, a retired Assistant-Sub-Inspector (ASI) from CISF, sees this as a new challenge. “But a soldier thrives on challenges and confrontations,” he said.
“We are grateful to the organisers for providing ex-servicemen with a new lease on life. A soldier never truly retires; they’re always on duty. Organisers recognise that soldiers shouldn’t be retired at 50 when they possess valuable skills,” says Ishwan Singh, 62, retired from the Border Security Force (BSF).
Cabs Paraforce is the brainchild of ex-army veteran Major General Dilawar Singh, who retired as DG NCC.
The initiative offers various facilities including safety protocols, discounted vehicle purchases, insurance coverage, employee benefits, and family schemes.
Cabs Paraforce management said that its focus is towards taxi captains, aged between 40 to 60, as well as retired Agniveers, with a maximum of 4-5 years of service.
“Agnipath scheme introduces a novel HR management initiative for the Defence forces. Individuals selected through this program will be designated as Agniveers. Upon enrollment in the armed forces, these Agniveers will serve for four years,” they said.
Dilawar stresses that this venture isn’t solely profit-driven.
“We seek to provide ex-servicemen with dignified employment, acknowledging their contributions to society during their service. Our commitment lies in providing unmatched safety and reliability in transportation services, particularly ensuring the safety of women travelling during nocturnal hours,” said Dr Dilawar.
“Our cabs will be available in electric and gas formats, contributing to pollution-free transportation,” he said.
Deepak Mudgal, Founder & Director of Cabs Paraforce, anticipates launching their services by May 15. “Initially, we’ll operate in Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad. Over 10,000 individuals have expressed interest in the project, and we aim to expand to other cities later,” he informed.
Mudgal mentions that research for the project began in 2016.
“Finally, the cabs will hit the roads soon, offering amenities such as food, snacks, and medicines,” he said, adding that, “Ex-servicemen are undergoing rigorous training under expert guidance”.
