Menstrual hygiene: KSRTC installs sanitary napkin vending machine at bus stands, including M'luru

Mangaluru/Bengaluru: In an attempt to promote menstrual hygiene among women, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has installed a vending machine and incinerator to dispense and dispose of sanitary napkins at 10 bus stands in the state.

The machines have been installed inside the women’s washroom and women can avail of a napkin by inserting a five rupee coin. Nearly 100 napkins can be stored in the vending machines at a time and housekeeping personnel replenishes the stock as required.

While directions on how to use the machine have been displayed near the machines, people can get seek assistance from housekeeping staff if needed, the corporation said.

The machines were installed at two depots in Bengaluru on a pilot basis and in the second phase, it has been extended to 10 KSRTC bus depots including Mangaluru.

Speaking to Udayavani, KSRTC managing director Shivayogi S Kalasad, said that the move has received a good response from the women passengers and plans to extend this facility to taluk level bus stands is in the offing.