Traveling alone can be daunting, especially for women, but Indian Railways has established robust laws and measures to ensure the safety and security of solo female passengers.
Detailed under Section 139 of the Indian Railways Act of 1989, these regulations are specifically designed to protect single women travelers, including those accompanied by children.
Key Protections Under Indian Railways Laws
Enacted in 1989, these laws safeguard single women passengers and ensure that they can travel without undue concern. According to Indian Railways regulations, if a teenage girl or woman is found traveling without a ticket, the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) is prohibited from ejecting her from the train. The passenger can pay the fine and continue her journey. Even if she cannot pay the fine, the TTE cannot remove her from the compartment, thus ensuring her safety and security throughout the journey.
Meri Saheli Initiative
To further bolster the safety of female passengers, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative on October 17, 2020. This pan-India program focuses on providing comprehensive security to female passengers from the moment they board the train until they disembark. The initiative is particularly attentive to solo female travelers, ensuring they feel safe and supported throughout their journey.
Essential Rules for Female Passengers
For women traveling alone, it is crucial to be aware of certain key passenger rules that enhance their travel experience:
- Accompaniment by Lady Constable: A woman can only be asked to leave the train if accompanied by a lady constable, ensuring her safety during such an event.
- Travel with Young Boys: Boys under 12 years old are permitted to travel in women’s compartments, as stipulated in Section 162 of the Indian Railways Act.
- Legal Prosecution for Unauthorized Entry: Any male entering a women’s coach can face legal prosecution, protecting the sanctity and safety of these compartments.
- Military Personnel Restrictions: Under Section 311 of the Indian Railways Act 1989, military personnel are prohibited from entering ladies’ compartments.
- Reserved Berths for Women: Six berths are reserved for women in long-distance Mail/Express train sleeper classes and in third-tier AC (3AC) coaches of Garib Rath, Rajdhani, Duronto, and fully air-conditioned Express trains. This reservation applies irrespective of age or whether traveling alone or in a group.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Indian Railways has significantly improved women’s safety by installing CCTV cameras and setting up monitoring rooms at stations, ensuring a vigilant eye on the safety of female passengers.
- These regulations and initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a secure and comfortable travel experience for solo female travelers. By being informed of these protections, women can travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.
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