Coronavirus Pandemic: Ola offers 500 cabs to transport Doctors in Karnataka

With every company doing their bit to fight against COVID-19 pandemic, Ola Cabs has offered 500 of its vehicles to the Karnataka government for transporting doctors for Coronavirus-related activities.

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister Dr. CN Ashwathnarayan confirmed the development in a tweet online. He writes, “Ola's services will be available in the districts of Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad and Belagavi, and the government will be able to deploy the cabs in these regions depending on the requirement. The cabs will be used to ferry healthcare workers, transport medicines and other essential healthcare equipment. The cabs will also be used in case of emergencies”.

Ola Cabs suspended its services pan India after the lockdown was announced recalled its leased vehicles back from the driver-partners. The company has also stopped accepting daily rental from these drivers, while opening a fund for its drivers that will be out of jobs till the lockdown ends. The Bengaluru-based company also announced a compensation of ₹ 30,000 for its drivers and their families if they have been affected by COVID-19.

The Coronavirus pandemic has claimed over 29 deaths so far in India with over 1070 people tested positive of the virus. The country has been placed under lockdown as a result, and has forced a mass exodus as migrant workers have been trying to head back to their homes. The state governments have been making provisions for these workers for food and shelter.

Meanwhile, automakers have diverted resources towards producing necessary medical equipment including face shields, masks and ventilators.