As the Commonwealth Games draw very near and tourists permeate the city, the metro has become the chosen means of transport for many commuters. This crowding causes women commuters to often face difficulties.
All this will soon become better, as the Delhi metro will have a women’s special coach from October 2. “Finally, metro officials realised the trouble that we go through everyday. My day begins and ends with a fight with someone or the other misbehaving,” says Chestha Chopra, who boards the Dwarka - Noida City Center line. Natalia Ningthoujam, 23 and a regular commuter, is also enthusiastic, “I think it’s good. At least there won't be men trying to touch you all the time”
We conducted a survey and figured out that 25 percent of our total commuters are female. Also, we got complaints about the inadequacy of ladies seats. So, we came up with this reservation,” says Anuj Dayal, spokesperson of DMRC.
He further explained, “The first coach of each metro will be allotted as the women’s special coach. We will put signs on the platforms and make constant announcements, both at the stations and within the metro.”
This will especially benefit female tourists during the CWG. The metro has also made other provisons for a hassle free commute for tourists.
“Apart from the womens’ special coach, we are training our customer care staff to speak in fluent English to help the tourists better. Tourist cards have been made available on websites along with a map for tourists to plan their visit,” says Dayal.
This will especially benefit female tourists during the CWG. The metro has also made other provisons for a hassle free commute for tourists.
“Apart from the womens’ special coach, we are training our customer care staff to speak in fluent English to help the tourists better. Tourist cards have been made available on websites along with a map for tourists to plan their visit,” says Dayal.
The move has become a hot topic of discussion amongst the guys. “They should have added an extra coach instead of reserving one,” says Abhinav Sharma, management consultant. Dhruv Kalakoti, 23, says “It is a great thing for the ladies. Implementation will be difficult in the beginning but I think it will be a success later on.