Women commuters want more Ladies Special trains in Mumbai

Women commuters travelling by the Ladies Special train operating on the Western Railway (WR) have asked railway officials to start operating such trains on the fast line corridor during peak hours.

This demand was made by commuters in a survey which was conducted by railway officials on the 26th anniversary of the Ladies Special train on May 5. Currently, WR operates eight such trains on the slow line.

The survey was conducted among 100 women commuters travelling daily in the Ladies Special train.

The commuters also demanded an increase in the number of services of women special trains on the slow corridor. “The special trains are very good but the trains are badly crowded during peak hours. This makes it very difficult for women to get inside any compartment, said Alba Ghonsalvis, Malad resident.

A WR official said women commuters were satisfied with the safety in the Ladies Special train but stated that the compartments are overcrowded during peak hours. “This is despite the fact that the whole train is reserved for women. Introduction of women specials on the fast line was also demanded by the commuters,” he said.

Ensuring the punctuality of the special train was also a suggestion of the passengers. “The 9.06am Ladies Special always reaches Churchgate station late. The train is before time at Borivli and Andheri stations, but when it arrives at Churchgate, the train is delayed,” said Supriya Pathak, Bhayander resident.