Key Highlights:
- Indian Railways laws specifically safeguard single women passengers.
- Regulations ensure women’s safety from boarding to disembarking.
- Special provisions and initiatives enhance security for female travellers.
Curious About Indian Railways Laws for Female Travellers?
Solo travel can be an exhilarating experience, and Indian Railways ensures that women who travel alone are protected by specific laws. Here are six key regulations every female traveller should be aware of to ensure a safe and secure journey.
Important Laws for Female Travellers
- Protection Against Ejection: If a woman is found travelling without a ticket, the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) cannot eject her from the train. She can pay the fine and continue her journey. Even if she cannot pay the fine, the TTE is not permitted to remove her from the compartment.
- Meri Saheli Initiative: Launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) on October 17, 2020, the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative focuses on providing security to female passengers from boarding to disembarking. It ensures that solo female travellers receive special attention and assistance during their journey.
- Ejection Protocol: A woman can only be asked to leave the train if accompanied by a lady constable. This ensures that her safety and dignity are maintained at all times.
- Compartment Rules: Boys under 12 years old are allowed to travel in women’s compartments, according to Section 162 of the Indian Railways Act 1989. This provides convenience for mothers travelling with young sons.
- Prosecution for Trespassing: Any male entering a women’s coach can face legal prosecution. This rule is strictly enforced to maintain the safety and privacy of female passengers.
- Reserved Berths for Women: Six berths are reserved for women in long-distance Mail/Express train sleeper classes and six berths in third-tier AC (3AC) coaches of Garib Rath/Rajdhani/Duronto/fully air-conditioned Express trains. This reservation is available regardless of the woman’s age or whether she is travelling alone or in a group.
Enhancing Safety with Technology
Indian Railways has taken significant steps to improve women’s safety by installing CCTV cameras and setting up station monitoring rooms. These measures provide an added layer of security, ensuring that any incidents are quickly addressed and female passengers can travel with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Travelling solo as a woman in India can be a safe and enjoyable experience, thanks to the protective laws and initiatives implemented by Indian Railways. Knowing these regulations can empower female travellers, ensuring they have a secure journey while exploring the beauty of India.
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