Officials from the Western Railways, on Monday, October 19, 2020, said that women may soon be allowed to travel by Mumbai local trains, but they might have to wait a tad bit longer, as the approval process is pending.
Confirming the same with PTI, WR said that despite the positive reply received for the state government's request made to the railway administration, we are awaiting a response from the state government on its preparations. The information was given by the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Sumit Thakur.
More information was shared by ANI which said, "We talked to them yesterday too. Railway is ready. Western Railways has extended its services to 700 trains, including 2 ladies' special. Central Railways also extended its services to 706. State govt is yet to convey their modalities to us: Sumit Thakur, CPRO of Western Railway"
We talked to them yesterday too. Railway is ready. Western Railways has extended its services to 700 trains, including 2 ladies' special. Central Railways also extended its services to 706. State govt is yet to convey their modalities to us: Sumit Thakur, CPRO of Western Railway https://t.co/afZ3F46tEe
— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2020
The Maharashtra government, on October 16,2 020, requested the railway administration to provide additional Mumbai local train and facilities for women, during certain hours in the day. As per request, official wanted services twice a day - from 11 am to 3 pm and again from 7 pm to the end of the day. However, the government did not get the permission, and the team has to inform the same in writing as a joint decision was expected to be taken keeping several factors in mind, for the benefit of the passengers.
Officials from the WR said that they have spoken to the Government of Maharashtra regarding the matter, post-which the railways has agreed to permit women to travel in the Mumbai locals, and acting on the request the department at WR has increased the number of local trains to 700 adding two ladies special trains. Besides this, Central Railway (CR) has also increased the number of local trains to 706.
However, the state government of Maharashtra has not released more information requested by the railways, added Thakur. As per reports, authorities are waiting for a plan to understanding the crowd control at the stations, as officials have stated that railway stations should not be crowded, as this would cause inconvenience the passengers. Moreover, the plan has to be drafted to ensure passengers follow the rules of social distancing and other norms while travelling, and this will be considered mandatory and a priority. A reply from the Maharashtra government is awaited.
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