Kolkata: Sealdah Division is working in mission mode to facilitate women commuters to travel safely in Suburban EMU locals and to reduce the risk of sexual harrassment in trains & station premises. As a part of that endeavour, it was decided to augment 1 more ladies coaches in EMU services and accordingly all the EMU rakes are now equipped with more ladies coaches to cope up with the huge rush of women particularly during office hours.
A few incidents are reported recently from stations like Ashoknagar, Barasat regarding male daily passengers’ agitation, aggrieved over enhancement of ladies coaches causing lesser number of general coaches in EMU locals. In this connection, a few points are submitted to explain the situation which necessitates the increase of ladies coaches:-
- Augmentation of one more coach for ladies has alleviated overcrowding in existing ladies coaches, which is often witnessed during peak hours. In Sealdah Division, ladies commuters constitute around 25% of total passengers. Hence, 1 more ladies coach (in addition to earlier 2) is absolutely necessary to enhance seating capacity for ever increasing women passenger flow.
- In recent past, we witnessed huge overcrowding in earmarked ladies coaches causing regular inconvenience in boarding/deboarding which, in turn, was causing accidents and/or over stopping of locals at stations. Hence, in order to reduce congestion and improve overall operational efficiency – increase of ladies coaches became mandatory.
- The latest infrastructure development works have transformed all the 23 platforms of Sealdah Station capable of holding 12 coach EMU rakes. Earlier, in 9 coach car 2 coaches were reserved for ladies while rest 7 coaches were general. After state of the art capacity enhancement, all 950 odd EMU services are running with 12 coaches out of which only 3 coaches are earmarked for ladies and remaining 9 are general compartments. Hence, male passengers’ scope of availing Suburban services has since been effectively increased.
- Lady commuters often choose to avail ladies coaches even if general compartments are comparatively less crowded especially because of presence of RPF contingents particularly during night. Hence, more ladies coaches in suburban EMU locals will certainly promote women safety, comfort and empowerment while also addressing societal concerns and also improving operational efficiency.
- Under the dynamic leadership of Shri Deepak Nigam/DRM, Sealdah Division is focussing hard on future capacity enhancement for playing 15 coach EMU Car by accomplishing further infrastructure development.
The Suburban EMU locals are the lifeline of Kolkata as they provide seamless travelling experience for commuters to the nerve centre of the Megacity. Sealdah Division appeals to the esteemed commuters to co-operate with the Railway in running a smooth, safe, comfortable, cheap and environment friendly mode of transportation – providing easier access to employment, educational and health care opportunities in the City of Joy.
