E-Paper
‘Bar boys above 12 from women’s compartments’
In order to protect woman commuters travelling in local trains, Central Railway’s new general manager Subodh Jain has proposed barring entry to boys above 12 years in women’s compartments unless accompanied by a female passenger.
In order to protect woman commuters travelling in local trains, Central Railway’s new general manager Subodh Jain has proposed barring entry to boys above 12 years in women’s compartments unless accompanied by a female passenger.
Currently, under the railway act male passengers are not allowed to travel in women’s compartments. However, minors can travel if accompanied by a woman. Railway officials said that the age of minors has not been defined under the railways’ rules and it is assumed that those under the age of 18 can travel in women’s compartments.
Currently, the railways are unable to take strict action against teenagers in women’s compartment because, if caught, they are tried under sections of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Jain admitted that this was a tricky issue, where boys accompanied by parents have to be allowed to travel in ladies compartment and it will not be possible to completely bar them.
