MUMBAI: The ‘ladies special’ train — a dedicated service for Mumbai’s women commuters turned 25 years old today.
The first ‘ladies special’ train ran between Churchgate and Borivli on May 5, 1992.
“The service was extended up to Virar in 1993. It has been running regularly since,” said Ravinder Bhakar, chief spokesperson of WR.
He said the service has for years helped women commuters travel comfortably during peak hours.
On the CR, two services are operated between CST and Kalyan stations, two on the CST-Panvel corridor on the harbour line and the remaining on the Thane-Panvel route on the trans-harbour corridor.
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.
