Bridgestone inaugurates Sarthi Support Centrefor trucking community at Transport Nagar, Pune.

Bridgestone Sarthi Support Centre andJijau Clinic is in collaboration with Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation(PCMC).

-        To serve an average of 300-400 truckersdaily.

Bridgestone India has inaugurated theBridgestone Sarthi Support Centre and Jijau Clinic at Nigdi, Pune in collaborationwith the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Named after BridgestoneIndia’s flagship project on Road Safety and Skilling – Sarthi – for drivers,the centre is focused on their physical, mental, and behavioural health,guidance, counselling, and awareness around critical issues impacting thecommunity, such as Road Safety, alcohol, and substance abuse awarenesssessions, HIV/AIDS and STD Awareness sessions, and counselling around work-lifebalance.

The Centre will also hold regular interactivesessions with drivers to instil and boost self-confidence amongst the communitymembers. The Centre will also impart basic training in truck mechanics.

Strategically based in the transportation hub ofPune, the centre is readily accessible to the trucking community and aims attheir overall wellbeing. Presently, the Centre can cater to the needs of300-400 truckers a day.

PCMC, apart from providing space and civilsupport, has also extended referrals for nearby hospitals for secondary and tertiaryhealthcare. After the initial three years, the health care services will bemanaged by PCMC through their Jijau Clinics.

Nirman Organization, a Pune-based NGO is theimplementing partner, possessing a rich experience of working with unorganizedsectors.

“We constantly endeavour to improve lives in themobility sector through our various programs. The trucking community is animportant pillar of this sector, supporting the growth of our economy. Whileperforming their duties, often their own needs of mental and physical wellbeingare unmet. This support centre is our attempt to provide an avenue for them tofind solutions and guidance, thus also making their journeys on road safer. Weare grateful to PCMC for extending their support for the centre,” said StefanoSanchini, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.

Based on the feedback and impact of this pilotproject, Bridgestone plans to expand this initiative to four Sarthi supportcentres in the next two years.