Impact of Restricted Public Transport Since COVID-19 on Women in Rural India: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

PurposeRailways are crucial as public transport in rural India in connecting the villages with cities. Since COVID-19, most of the trains in rural India have not stopped at small railway stations, which has impacted the mobility of the villagers. This study is conducted in Piprai, a village in North India, to explore the impact of non-halting trains since COVID-19 on young girls in rural India. Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the impact of non-halting trains since COVID-19 on young girls in rural India. Qualitative data was collected from three sources. Two physical participatory workshops were conducted in Piprai in March 2021 and October 2022 with 10 and 12 participants, respectively. A WhatsApp group was formed with six girls for continuous feedback and discussions. A social activist from the same area was the point of contact and was interviewed to understand the overall condition of women in the village. FindingsThe results provide valuable insights into how the lack of public transportation since COVID-19 has affected young girls in rural India. Women's mobility has been limited, which has led to a halt in higher studies, being unable to visit hospitals regularly and meeting relatives, especially parents in different cities. Furthermore, the above reasons have led to anxiety and mental disturbance. Originality/valueThis study is among the first to explore the impact of lack of transportation since COVID-19 on women in rural India. This is the first time any such study has been conducted in the remote area of Bundelkhand, UP, India.