MPs Demand Better Safety & Women-Friendly Services in Mumbai Suburban Railways

Mumbai, India: In a push for enhanced safety, comfort, and accessibility for commuters in Mumbai’s suburban rail network, Members of Parliament Dr. Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan) and Naresh Mhaske (Thane) met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. They submitted a memorandum detailing key demands, particularly focusing on women’s safety and improved railway infrastructure.

Their primary requests include:
✅ More special trains for women and increased first-class seating capacity.
✅ Female security personnel in women’s coaches during early morning and night hours.
✅ Upgraded sanitation facilities, including well-maintained women’s restrooms.
✅ Reopening of One Rupee Clinics at railway stations.
✅ More escalators and lifts at stations in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, and Kalyan.
✅ Free medical treatment for railway accident victims.
✅ Faster completion of railway flyovers, underpasses, and new stations between Thane and Mulund.

Currently, Mumbai’s suburban railways operate ten ladies’ special trains on Western Railway and several on Central Railway. Women account for 24% of total commuters, with over 25% of seats reserved for them. Officials claim this allocation is proportional, but MPs argue for expanded services to meet rising demand.

The railway minister has responded positively and assured a structured action plan to address these concerns. The MPs have been actively advocating for better railway infrastructure in Thane, Kalyan, Bhiwandi, and Palghar, urging the ministry to take swift action.