Mumbai: 50 Women Penalized for Illegally Traveling in Disabled Coaches of Local Trains

Mumbai: Overcrowding in disabled coaches of Mumbai’s local trains continues to cause hardship for genuinely disabled passengers, with unauthorized travel by able-bodied individuals—especially women—on the rise. In response to public outrage and a viral video, authorities have taken action against 50 women found illegally occupying these reserved compartments.

The video, reportedly filmed by a disabled commuter on a local train departing from Kalyan station on the morning of August 5, revealed rampant misuse of disabled compartments. The video quickly gained traction on social media, sparking discussions around the lack of discipline and enforcement in the local train system.

Responding to the situation, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) personnel conducted surprise checks at Thane railway station around 10:30 AM today. Within just a few hours, they took penal action against nearly 50 women traveling without authorization in the disabled coaches of 10–12 local trains.

The penalized passengers were found violating rules under railway regulations that strictly reserve these coaches for disabled persons and their attendants. Many of these women, taking advantage of the proximity of disabled compartments to ladies' coaches, had been illegally boarding them during rush hours.

As per Indian Railways rules, traveling in a coach reserved for persons with disabilities without proper authorization is punishable. Offenders may face a fine of ₹500 or the cost of the journey’s ticket—whichever is higher. Repeat offenders or serious violators could also face imprisonment of up to six months.

Authorities have also warned that non-payment of fines may lead to offenders being handed over to Railway Police for further legal action. In some rare cases, public shaming penalties have been imposed, such as requiring the accused to stand with crutches during court proceedings, aiming to highlight the seriousness of the offense.

The crackdown has been widely welcomed by disabled commuters, who frequently suffer due to overcrowding in spaces designated for them. “It’s not just about seating—it’s about dignity and accessibility,” said one visually impaired commuter at Thane station.

Despite existing laws and reserved compartments, the misuse of disabled coaches remains a frequent issue, pointing to a lack of awareness and respect for the rights of disabled individuals. Authorities have pledged to conduct more frequent inspections and continue awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of respecting reserved compartments.

This incident has reignited the conversation around inclusive and accessible public transport in Mumbai and the need for stricter enforcement to protect vulnerable commuters.