50 Women Fined after Overcrowding of Disabled Mumbai Local Coaches
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is known for its bustling streets, crowded public transport, and resilient citizens. However, one issue that has been plaguing the city’s commuters, particularly the disabled, is the misuse of reserved coaches in local trains. These coaches are meant for passengers with disabilities, but able-bodied individuals have been taking advantage of the situation, leading to overcrowding and discomfort for those who truly need these facilities.
Recently, a viral video posted by a disabled individual exposed the unauthorised use of these reserved coaches, bringing the issue to the forefront and prompting authorities to take action. The Thane Railway Police Force (RPF) and Railway Ticket Controllers (TCs) have been working together to ensure that these coaches are used only by those who need them.
According to reports, around 50 women were fined for traveling illegally in these reserved coaches across 10-12 trains. The fines were imposed after a thorough investigation and verification of passengers. This is a significant step towards addressing the issue and ensuring that the rights of passengers with disabilities are respected.
The misuse of reserved coaches has been a long-standing problem in Mumbai’s local train network. Despite the presence of authorities at railway stations, able-bodied individuals have been able to sneak into these coaches, often at the expense of passengers with disabilities who need these facilities the most.
The viral video that sparked the recent crackdown was posted by a disabled individual who was traveling in a local train. The video showed the overcrowding and chaos in the reserved coach, with able-bodied women and men pushing and shoving to get in. The video was widely shared on social media, garnering widespread attention and outrage.
In response to the video, the Thane RPF and Railway TCs launched a joint operation to check the reserved coaches and verify the identity of passengers. The operation was conducted across 10-12 trains, and over 50 women were found to be traveling illegally in these coaches.
The fined women were issued separate penalty notices, and the fines were imposed according to the railway authorities’ rules. The authorities also took the opportunity to educate passengers about the importance of respecting the rights of passengers with disabilities and the consequences of misusing reserved coaches.
The recent crackdown is a welcome step towards addressing the issue of overcrowding and misuse of reserved coaches in Mumbai’s local trains. It sends a strong message that the authorities are committed to ensuring that these coaches are used only by those who need them the most.
However, this issue is not limited to Mumbai alone. Similar problems are faced by passengers with disabilities in other cities and towns across India. It is high time that the government and railway authorities take a comprehensive approach to address this issue and ensure that passengers with disabilities are able to travel safely and comfortably.
In conclusion, the recent action taken by the Thane RPF and Railway TCs against over 50 women who were traveling illegally in reserved coaches is a significant step towards addressing the issue of overcrowding and misuse of these facilities. It is essential that passengers respect the rights of those who truly need these coaches, and authorities continue to take strong action against those who violate the rules.
