Indian Railways to Introduce New Measures for Female Travelers: Here’s a Sneak Peek

According to the ministry, six berths will be reserved in the sleeper class of the Courier / Express long distance trains and a reservation quota of six berths in the third level AC (3AC) coaches of Garib Rath / Rajdhani / Duronto / fully air conditioned. Express trains are reserved for women, regardless of their age, traveling alone or in groups.

Also, combined reservation quota of six to seven lower berths per car in sleeper class, four to five lower berths per car in 3AC and three to four lower berths per car in 2AC coaches (depending on the number of cars in this class on the train) were reserved for the elderly, female passengers aged 45 and over and pregnant women.

In terms of safety and security measures for female passengers, the minister said that the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will complement the efforts of the GRP / district police to ensure better protection and safety of passengers. . Although “police” and “public order” are subjects of state under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, additional measures are taken by the railways in coordination with GRP for safety and passenger safety on trains and at stations.

The Railways Protection Force (RPF) also launched a pan-Indian initiative “Meri Saheli†on October 17, 2020, with the aim of improving the safety and security of female passengers traveling by train throughout their journey, from embarkation upon disembarkation. The aim of the initiative is to ensure the safety of female passengers, especially those traveling alone. The RPF is also training teams of female officers and personnel for the initiative.

The Minister also added that on vulnerable and identified routes / sections, trains are escorted daily by RPF and GRPF (Governmental Police of Railways) from different states. Rail helpline number 139 operates 24/7 across the entire Indian rail network for safety-related assistance to passengers in distress.

He added that the ministry will also address a passenger’s concerns if they are raised through various social media platforms, namely Twitter, Facebook, etc.

According to the minister, RPF ladies escort the trains of special ladies. Train escort groups have been advised to keep extra vigilance on female passengers traveling alone, ladies coaches en route and at stopping stations.

In order to ensure the safety of female passengers, training is carried out against the entry of male passengers into the compartments reserved for women. In addition to this, CCTV cameras have been installed in 4,934 coaches and 838 stations to enhance passenger safety.

An emergency conversation system and CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed in the compartments / women’s coaches of all newly manufactured Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) and air-conditioned rakes of the Kolkata Metro, added the Minister of Railways.

The National Railway Safety Committee (SLSCR) has also been established for the regular monitoring and review of railway safety arrangements.