WR opens up disabled coach for pregnant passengers

Welcoming the Western Railways decision to allow pregnant women to board compartments for handicapped,passengers said the provision will ease their woes of travelling in peak hours.

Recently,when Minister of State for Railway KH Muniyappa met commuters to discuss their day-to-day problems,some women commuters urged the minister to allow pregnant women in handicapped compartment. Besides,MP Sanjay Nirupam also forwarded the request to the Western Railway authorities.

GS Bannerjee,chief commercial manager,Western Railway,said,When Nirupam forwarded the demand to us,I realised it is a genuine one. If a working woman is travelling for work in advanced stage of pregnancy,she would find it difficult to board a train,even the ladies coach. Besides work,there are many women who travel by train for regular check-up in hospitals. Also,there are fewer commuters in coaches for the handicapped. Pregnant commuters need not show any certificate to board the coach unlike the handicapped commuters who need a certificate.

Boards are being put on handicapped compartments allowing pregnant women, said Chief PRO of WR,Sharat Chandrayan.

I am happy with the WRs decision. I have seen many pregnant women struggling to board the trains, said Gita Rawat,a resident of Borivali.

Hetal Shah,a Mira Road resident,said,Usually,women do not have enough space to even stand in the compartments during peak hours. Pregnant women can travel comfortably in compartments for the disabled.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram