Mumbai Local Train Commuters Demand More Women’s Coaches, Lower AC Fares Amid Overcrowding And Delays

Mumbai commuters demanded improvements to overcrowded local trains and better treatment of women passengers during meetings with railway officials on Thursday. Issues included the shortage of women’s coaches, lack of slow local services, and overcharging of fares for air-conditioned trains.

Passengers from Dombivli and Badlapur complained about difficulty boarding and alighting trains during peak hours. They also demanded more slow local trains running between Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva after the 9:25 am service from Thane.

Rupali Deshmukh, a commuter, urged for an increase in women’s coaches, currently operating only in the evening. Lower fares for AC locals and retention of general coaches in mail and express trains also featured in the list of grievances. Baburao Kushwaha, another passenger, said that a reduction in fares would enable more women and senior citizens to travel comfortably without financial strain.

Meena assured that the proposal for fare reduction would be forwarded to senior officials, though no immediate decision was announced. Concerns over hygiene and safety, such as the absence of drinking water at Dadar station and unhygienic practices by food vendors, were also raised. Complaints about unauthorized passengers occupying seats reserved for the disabled continued to be a problem, despite previous complaints.