Passengers in uproar over demand for extra space for women

Mumbai Mumbai: Around 15 local EMUs had to be cancelled due to blockade by the crowd of passengers. The agitating crowd protested at Uttar Radhanagar halt from 6.26 am to 9.16 am and at a level crossing gate near Hotar from 8.40 am to 9.17 am. Banana leaves were also thrown on the overhead wires near Dhamua station and at Magrahat station. The agitators opposed the setting aside of an additional half of the general coach for women on both sides of the EMU local in this section by the Sealdah division. Train services were affected in the Baruipur-Diamond Harbour section of Sealdah division due to the agitation. Normal rail services were restored in the section after the blockade was cleared from all places at 9.42 am.

According to Divisional Railway sources, only a small part of the increased capacity of EMU local in this section has been set aside for women passengers in view of the increasing demand. Last month, women passengers had staged a similar blockade in the Sonarpur-Canning section and demanded to increase the number of women coaches in local trains. In view of the persistent demand, additional capacity was created for women passengers. According to Sealdah Division, women passengers constitute about 25 per cent of the total suburban passengers and there was a demand from their side to increase the prescribed capacity.

Giving details, Divisional Railway sources said that Sealdah Division has recently increased the number of coaches in EMU locals from 9 to 12, which means that additional coaches are available for general passengers as well and there is no reduction in the number of general coaches due to the introduction of these 12 coach trains. In a 12 coach EMU rake, the seating capacity equivalent to a total of 3 coaches is prescribed only for women passengers, which is the minimum.