We need more trains, better security and cleaner toilets
Local trains are extremely overcrowded. About 68 lakh commuters travel in them daily. By the time they reach office, they lose half their energy. The rest of the day, they keep stressing about the peak-hour journey back home.
Local trains are extremely overcrowded. About 68 lakh commuters travel in them daily. By the time they reach office, they lose half their energy. The rest of the day, they keep stressing about the peak-hour journey back home.
Overcrowding also leads to poor cleanliness, frequent accidents, thefts and fights. Often, women have to put up with sexual harassment because railway stations are too crowded.
However, this problem is beyond the reach of the railways. It needs public-private partnership. Passengers should follow a certain discipline. They should avoid littering railway tracks and train compartments.
- YG Chouksey
Set up housekeeping cells at each station
The lack of safety for women commuters, especially at night, is my pet peeve about local trains. Hygiene is also a big problem. Railway stations and train compartments are filthy. I think the railways should setup a housekeeping cell at each station. However, such initiatives will only be successful if commuters cooperate. They shouldn't litter or spit on platforms and on railway tracks.
- Vanita Shenoy
Mind the gap, let train meet platform
HT has done a great job of highlighting the poor plight of local trains. Clean toilets for both men and women are amongst the most urgently needed service upgrades.
The stench from urinals and toilets at railway stations is so repulsive that commuters would rather not use them. This can lead to severe health problems, especially for women.
Also, the height of platforms at most railway stations needs to be raised to the level of the compartments.
The huge gaps make it difficult for senior citizens to board and alight. Sometimes they fall in between the gap.
- CK Subramaniam
Invest more in improving services
The Indian Railways earns large revenues through Mumbai local trains but spends a negligible amount to improve services. As a result, Mumbaiites continue to suffer as they travel in sub-human conditions.
One can only hope that the railway ministry will act for the welfare of commuters in Mumbai, setting aside vote bank politics, which generally focuses only on the constituency that the railway minister belongs to.
- Ketan R Meher
Run more trains to avoid overcrowding
We need better security on railway stations and inside trains. The frequency of trains should also be increased.
All stations should offer basic amenities including clean toilets. The railways should undertake strict measures to ensure that people don't cross tracks. Staff should be trained to be polite.
I expect more trains on the harbour line and bigger first class compartments. People
travelling by first class unnecessarily pay a lot for meagre space.
- Bhalchandra Waghe