NEW DELHI: Delhi Transport Corporation on Thursday launched a bus service exclusively for women commuters on eleven major routes connecting major office and market complexes with residential colonies across the city. The 'Ladies Special' bus service was flagged off by chief minister Sheila Dikshit .

"I hope the new service will ensure safe and comfortable journey for the women commuters," Dikshit said.

Transport minister Ramakant Goswami said women conductors have been appointed for all the buses under the service.

The bus service will connect places having office complexes like Bhikaji Kama Place, Nehru Place, Connaught Place and ITO and Dhaula Kuan.

It will also connect major areas and markets including South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, IGI Airport, R K Puram, Munirka, Rajendra Place, Karol Bagh, Punjabi Bagh, Karol Bagh, Pahar Ganj, Andrews Ganj, Janpath, Preet Vihar, Red Fort, Darya Ganj, East Patel Nagar, Uttam nagar, Sarai Kale Khan, Karam Pura and INA.

The buses under the service will also go through AIIMS, IIT Gate, Jawaharlal Nehru stadium , Delhi Secretariat, India Gate, New Delhi Railway station, Central Secretariat Dwarka Morh, Metro station, Rohini Sector II, Rajendra Place, Shahdara, Madhu Vihar, Kapashera Border, Mori Gate Terminal, Mehrauli and Old Delhi Railway station.

Goswami said directions have been issued to senior DTC officials to take steps to make people aware about the new service, its routes and timing of the buses.

Initially, one bus each has been deployed on 11 routes and gradually the number of buses will be increased, Goswami said.