Kolkata: At present, Sealdah Division is running six pairs of Matribhumi EMU locals across Sealdah North, Main and South sections. Out of them, two pairs are plying in Sealdah Main (towards Krishnanagar and Ranaghat), two pairs in Sealdah North (for Bangaon and Barasat) and the rest two pairs in Sealdah South (towards Canning and Baruipur). Right now, all the ladies special trains are running with 12 car EMU rake (in comparison to earlier 9 coach locals) after infrastructure development works at Sealdah Station.
After critically examining the average petronisation figure of the all six pairs of Matribhumi locals it transpires that, the maximum seating occupancy is 75%. Hence, in order to utilise vacant seats/spaces and to facilitate/accommodate more office going daily passengers, the vacant 25% which translates to 3 coaches have been earmarked for general passengers. Hence, Sealdah Division has decided to allow male passengers in 3 coaches of Matribhumi locals, i.e., 4th, 5th and 6th coaches from Sealdah end. A notification in this regard has been issued by the Railway for implementation.
In this connection it is reiterated that, Sealdah Division has recently decided to augment one more ladies coach in EMU service and accordingly all the EMU rakes are now equipped with extra ladies coaches to cope up with the massive rush of female passengers particularly during peak hours. Taking into consideration the capacity enhancement for female passengers and comparatively lower occupancy in Matribhumi locals, the decision of allowing male passengers to board in 3 earmarked coaches (4th, 5th and 6th from Sealdah end) of Matribhumi locals will certainly streamline passenger flow and will ensure comfortable and safe journey for the millions of passengers.
All our esteemed Rail users are requested to co-operate with the Railway in running a smooth, safe and comfortable mass transportation system connecting Kolkata with Suburbs with improved operational efficiency by effectively reducing congestion.
