World's first 'ladies special train' by Western Railway completes 26-years
The first 'ladies special train' in the world, started between Churchgate and Borivali stations on the Western Railway (WR), will complete 26-years today. It was on May 5, 1992 when WR had introduced a suburban train service to ferry only women passengers between the two stations. Initially, there were only two daily services, but the number has now gone up to eight.
Women's special train helped over one million Mumbai women commuters
"Dedicating an entire train to women commuters has gone down in the annals of history and the WR has become the torch-bearer for other Railways," WR chief spokesperson Ravinder Bhakar said. "It is nothing less than a milestone that dedicating an entire train exclusively for women commuters for so many years has undoubtedly helped over one million-plus Mumbai women commuters," he added.
Currently, WR runs eight services in a day
The ladies special train service that first ran between Churchgate and Borivali station was later extended up to Virar in 1993. Currently, WR runs four services in the morning peak hours originating from Borivali, Bhayandar, Vasai Road and Virar stations that terminate at Churchgate and another four in the evening peak hours from Churchgate to Borivali, Bhayandar and Virar (two services) stations.
Here's what has been planned on the occasion
Bhakar said, "Women commuters in the special trains will be greeted and feedback will be taken from them to further improve the train services." In a statement, he said that over the years the WR had taken several initiatives to "instill a sense of safety and security" amongst the women passengers by installing CCTV cameras in many ladies coaches and by introducing talk-back system.
Central Railway also introduced suburban services exclusively for women
Following in the footsteps of WR, the Central Railway also introduced suburban services exclusively for women commuters on July 1, 1992 between CSMT and Kalyan. The CR runs four full and 24 partial ladies special services between CSMT and Kalyan corridor, CSMT-Panvel corridor.
