‘Women only’ signs to be removed from all stations of Pune Metro

At the Ruby Hall Clinic platform, the ‘women only’ sign is marked for the first coach of the Metro in its direction towards Vanaz station.

However, the same coach becomes a general coach at the next Metro station. The ‘women only’ signboard now features on the platform for the last coach. At Ideal Colony station, the signs switch places from last coach to first coach again.

Sania Annjohn, a regular passenger, expressed disappointment over the lack of a dedicated women’s coach in Pune Metro. “Nobody follows the ‘women only’ signs placed on the platform, hence a sign should be put up inside the coach as well,” she said. Another passenger said, “A personnel should be deployed near the women’s coach to alert men not to enter the compartment.”

Meanwhile, Hemant Sonawane, a spokesperson of the Pune Metro told The Indian Express, “The ‘only women’ signs will be removed from all the stations. There is no need for reservation for women passengers right now, as the footfall is low.”

Sonawne said there hasn’t been a survey on the footfall of male and female passengers yet. But they will plan it later and coaches will be reserved in the future, when the need arises.