KOCHI: Palakkad native Sanitha (name changed) came to Kochi for a job interview. Soon after receiving the interview call, Sanitha did not have to think twice about where she would stay — She Lodge near Ernakulam North railway station. Since its opening in March 2023, over 1.5 lakh women have benefited from Kochi corporation’s She Lodge, a project introduced by the LDF government.
Set up in a three-storeyed building, the lodging facility has 43 single rooms, 32 double rooms and 31 dormitory beds. Given the heavy rush of women seeking accommodation there, the authorities have urged people to call up the facility on the previous day and ensure there is vacancy. Currently, advance booking is unavailable there.
“We don’t want them to book in advance, but it will be helpful if they call and let us know. Women can directly come here and avail of the accommodation facility, but we are overcrowded on most days,” the official-in-charge of She Lodge said.
While the facility is a 24-hour service, the rooms usually get occupied during the 6am to 10pm window. “There will be a warden at the reception even at midnight, but chances are low of getting rooms if someone comes in late. However, considering safety aspects, we try our best to accommodate all women who come here in search of a stay,” the official pointed out.
Out of a maximum capacity of 154 beds, 111 are currently in use while the remaining 43 either need maintenance or are not in use after some customers occupying rooms close to the kitchen of the Samridhi@Kochi canteen functioning on the premises complained of heat and smoke.
“What makes She Lodge convenient is not only safety but also the availability of food from Samridhi. We don’t have to go in search of food as it is readily available in the same compound,” said Reshma, a student.
The facility has CCTV surveillance and a total of seven trained staff, including three wardens. However, what comes as a major headache is the increasing number of young girls who seek stay there after having disputes with family. Many have sought shelter at She Lodge after eloping from their family home and end up with police interventions. Sources said that as such cases have been happening frequently, with police advise, the purpose of stay and other background details are being recorded to avoid legal trouble.
It was during the LDF term that the old Libra Hotel building was renovated and transformed into the current She Lodge.