Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway will be earmarking a few Matribhumi coaches for general passengers. File
| Photo Credit: RAJEEV BHATT
Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway will be earmarking a few Matribhumi coaches for general passengers. Matribhumi locals are dedicated to only female passengers, and over the past few years, demands have been made to allow general passengers in the local train.
According to Sealdah Division, it has been closely monitoring the occupancy in Matribhumi locals and noticed that these ladies special trains were not running with full capacity. Recently, the Railway Division which provides services to over 18 lakh passengers in a day has achieved infrastructure development in transforming all 900 odd services into 12 car EMU rakes from earlier 9 car EMU rakes.
“In view of overall capacity enhancement it has also been examined that female commuters can have a comfortable and convenient travel experience even if some coaches of Matribhumi locals are allocated as general coaches where male passengers can also travel,” a press statement from the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway said.
Male passengers will, however, not be allowed in all the coaches of Matribhumi local trains and some coaches will be reserved as female coaches. “In a bid to streamline passenger flow, reduce congestion and improve overall train operations, Sealdah Division will notify soon for allowing male passengers also to board in few earmarked coaches of Matribhumi locals,” the statement by Sealdah Division said.
About 25 % of passengers of Sealdah Division are female passengers and there has been constant demand from ladies to increase the number of coaches from the existing 2 coaches.
“As per the proportionate female percentage of 25%, it is transformed to 3 coaches in a 12-coach EMU. Accordingly, half of the 3rd coach from either end has been converted from a general coach to a ladies’ coach. Thereby, there has been an increase of one coach ( for female passengers),” said another statement of the Sealdah Division.
Published – April 20, 2025 11:13 am IST
