A free cab service was launched in Raiganj on Friday by a local trade body and police for senior citizens and physically-challenged people who need to go out of homes for emergencies.

Named as “Vikalpa Bandhu”, the service will be available in five police station areas of Raiganj police district, said superintendent of police Sumit Kumar.

“If a senior citizen or a physically-challenged person needs to visit a bank or post office, a medicine shop or a marketplace to get food, he can call up the district police control room and provide details. Soon, a cab will reach his doorstep to take him to the place concerned and will drop him back at home. The service has been launched to help people during the coronavirus-induced lockdown,” Kumar said.

The police give the service in association with the Raiganj Merchants’ Association. Each of the five police station areas will have a car. Anybody requiring the service needs to call up at 8370954543, said sources.

The picture shows the cars being flagged off by police officers and office-bearers of the trade body.