AN AUTOMATIC door-closing system and cushioned seats may soon become a reality on all ladies coaches of Central Railway’s suburban network. This means that despite the difference in pricing, the second-class ladies coaches will facilitate commuters with all benefits available now on a first-class ladies coach on the CR. A 15-car rake on the suburban network will get three single first-class ladies coaches and two spacious second-class coaches for the ladies. While the passenger capacity for first-class ladies coaches remains around 50, the second-class ladies coaches can carry 150 passengers minimum in one rake. By 2017, each ladies coach in the nine rakes on the CR will be provided with cushioned seats instead of the steel seating available now. This comes after the work on the same will be undertaken at Matunga workshop from December end. Watch what else is making news “In 2013, we had cushioned seats on all coaches of two rakes on a trial basis in CR. Post this, the tender for cushioning of seats on ladies coaches was finalised last year, after which the same is expected to commence from this month end. We will manufacture one rake with cushioned seats of ladies coaches every month from December,” said a Central Railway official. Another official said the CR faced major maintenance issues while repairing rakes with cushioned seats as frequent tears and stealing of the cushions was noticed. Due to this, several changes were made in the placement of cushions later which saw some seats cushioned instead of the back-rest of the seat. “Major changes had to be made after the rake with cushioned seats would return at sheds for maintenance. However, as offering a comfortable seat to commuters was a priority, it will first be experimented on the ladies coaches. If the model is accepted, it can be moved to other coaches,” the official added. Also, a plan to modify 80 doors on the ladies coaches of four rakes is underway at the workshop. The official said almost Rs 8.5 crore will be provided by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) for fitting the doors with the automatic system. “Designing and approval for the conversion of coaches is through and we only await a sanction from Siemens on deciding how to integrate it into the train control system. After everything is through, the ladies coaches of some rakes on the division will have automatic door-closing. This will help manage overcrowding and reduce fatal accidents,” said a senior CR official. At present, females constitute 30 per cent of the average 80 lakh daily commuters witnessed on the CR suburban network. From these, 24,000-25,000 are ladies who travel on the first class and pay four-five times more than the average ticket fare. However, smaller space and extreme rush during peak hours form the major complaints of frequent first-class riders. “It is not that the first class sees any lesser crowd during the peak hours or offers seating for ladies who board en route. Lesser rush in comparison to a second class coach and better crowd are the sole reasons why we opt for a first-class ticket. If better facilities with lesser rush are ensured in the second class, we do not mind switching,” said Shilpa Kamat, a regular first-class commuter between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Mulund. “I switched from a first-class ride to second class in three months after it became impossible for me to get any seat in there. Plus, the size of the coach is smaller which further obstructs us to stand peacefully during rush hours. With better seating facilities and lesser rush, comfort ride in second class could be possible,” said Kavitha, a regular commuter. Female commuters travelling in the second class also supported the move to bring in automatic doors and cushioned seats on ladies coaches. “More space to stand and affordability are the two reasons as to why we prefer to travel by a second class. With better facilities, the difference between the two classes could be bridged,” said Pavitra Ramaswamy, a second-class commuter.
