Suffocation, harassment: Women struggle for safe train travel in Kerala

Kozhikode: The non-issuance of daytime sleeper tickets in the Palakkad division and the shortage of D-reserved coaches have been ongoing concerns for women passengers in Malabar Express. Despite repeated complaints, no effective measures have been taken.  

Even on trains that terminate in Mangaluru, season ticket holders are not permitted to board reserved coaches. As a result, many women, even during the day, travel with money in hand, prepared to pay penalties just to secure a seat.  

Struggles faced by women passengers

Although some trains have special coaches for women, passengers claim they are often unable to use them.  

"Even though there is a special coach for women, we cannot board it. We have run to the crowded general coach. If we get stuck inside, we not only get suffocated but also suffer from harassment," shared some female passengers.  

Regular travellers also highlighted the lack of proper planning in train services.  

"Time is important for regular passengers. Some trains are overcrowded, while some coaches remain empty. If trains run as they please, it is not good for the railways either. We can only say that the train is ‘running’," said passengers Dr. Jijikumari and VC Rama.  

Decline in women’s coaches  

In 2022, 12 trains running in Kerala, including Parasuram Express, Vanchinad Express, and Venad Express, had two ladies’ coaches each. Malabar Express, Maveli, Express and Ernad Express also had one each. However, several of these coaches have now been reduced.  

For security reasons, ladies’ coaches are typically positioned in the middle or at the back of trains, close to the guard. However, when these positions are altered, passengers often enter the wrong coaches, leading to further confusion and discomfort.  

No reserved seats for women in long-distance trains  

Long-distance trains like Netravati and Mangala Express do not have dedicated ladies’ coaches. When the ‘Ladies Only’ system was discontinued, it was decided that certain reserved seats in general coaches would be allocated for women. However, this policy was never properly implemented.  

Although a few trains initially introduced these reserved seats, complaints soon arose as men continued to occupy them. In some coaches marked ‘Ladies,’ women are often found standing while men take up all the seats. The lack of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel in many trains has made it difficult for women to report such issues.  

What the Railways needs to do  

Passengers have outlined several steps that the Railways must take to address these concerns:  

• Reinstate train ‘captains’: Railway-appointed personnel who assist passengers should be brought back.  
• Increase D-reserved coaches: Additional coaches should be introduced, especially for daytime travel.  
• Allow sleeper tickets during the day: Women should be given the option to book sleeper class tickets for daytime journeys.  
• Introduce ladies’ coaches in more trains: Netravati and Mangala Express should have dedicated ladies’ compartments.  
• Improve coach design: The congested, box-like coaches should be replaced with spacious ladies’ compartments for a more comfortable journey.