Mumbai’s ‘ladies special’ turns 25 today, WR women commuters celebrate, deck up train

The first ‘ladies special’ train ran between Churchgate and Borivli on May 5, 1992

The ladies special train — a dedicated service for Mumbai’s women commuters — turned 25 yesterday, and the Western Railway (WR) commemorated the day by decorating trains and distributing flowers among women commuters. The service was introduced on May 5, 1992 and the first-ever ladies special train ran between Churchgate and Borivli .

The train decorated for the occasion. (HT)

“The service was extended up to Virar in 1993 and has been running regularly since,” said Ravinder Bhakar, chief spokesperson, WR. “Over the years, the service has helped women commuters travel comfortably during peak hours.”

Following in the footsteps of its counterpart, the Central Railway (CR) too launched similar service between CST and Kalyan on July1, 1992.

Currently, 14 ladies special services — eight on the WR and six on the CR — ply on the Mumbai suburban railway network.

The WR runs four such services from Borivli, Bhayandar, Vasai road and Virar stations in the morning. While the rest leave from Churchgate in the evening.

According to WR officials, along with the service, they are also taking steps to boost security for women .

Bhakar said CCTV cameras have been installed in 60 ladies coaches on the WR. They have also introduced a talk-back system in all ladies coaches of two local trains, on the occasion of the last Women’s day, on a pilot basis. The system will allow women commuters establish contact with the guards of the train and seek help in case of emergency.