NAGPUR: MahaMetro’s much-publicised ‘Nari Shakti’ women-only coaches, intended to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for female commuters, are increasingly coming under scrutiny, with passengers alleging that the rules are routinely flouted.Despite prominent signage on platforms and inside trains reserving one coach for women, male passengers are frequently seen entering and occupying these compartments. A ground visit by TOI to multiple Metro stations found that the complaints were not unfounded, with several men observed travelling in the designated coaches.Many women admitted they often choose not to confront male passengers, citing concerns about their own safety and a desire to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Enforcement of these rules remains weak across most Metro stations.
“It is extremely annoying and uncomfortable. There are almost always a few men in the reserved coach, but we generally avoid objecting because we do not want any trouble,” said a woman commuter, requesting anonymity. “Sometimes the men are accompanying women passengers, which makes the situation even more awkward.”Commuters claim that enforcement remains weak despite the deployment of security personnel. According to passengers, checks are largely confined to the Sitabuldi interchange station, while other stations lack adequate monitoring.“We often see men entering the coach within a few stations after Sitabuldi, and there is nobody to stop them,” said a 17-year-old commuter. “The absence of any fines or penalties only encourages people to ignore the rules.”A security guard stationed at Sitabuldi acknowledged the problem, stating that an average of five male passengers are found in women-only coaches during each Metro service. “We do not have sufficient personnel at all stations. Once a train leaves Sitabuldi, some men enter the reserved coach,” he said.Responding to the concerns, a senior MahaMetro official said women passengers who feel uncomfortable asking men to vacate the coach can seek assistance from Metro staff at stations. “If that is not possible, they can also register a complaint through Nagpur Metro‘s official website,” the official said.Another senior official stressed the need for greater public awareness and civic responsibility. “The Metro cannot blacklist or permanently bar passengers who violate the rules. We will continue our efforts to improve compliance, but citizens must also respect and follow basic regulations,” the official said.
