Karva Chauth 2010 Gift : DMRC to fine men in women coach

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) wanted to put smiles on the faces of women by introducing the ‘womenonly’ coaches. It sure has.

But, of late, many women passengers in these coaches have been left sporting frowns. Here’s why. Men are routinely boarding these exclusive bogies, the first coach of all trains, much to the discomfiture of women. On Friday, a girl was molested inside such a coach.

So now on he occasion of 'Karva Chauth', DMRC plans to penalise such men. “ We are planning mobile squads that will catch and penalise men entering the women coaches. The amount of the fine has not been finalised, but violators may have to pay Rs. 250 each,” a Metro official said.

The DMRC introduced separate coaches for women on an experimental basis. But the problem of men boarding these coaches has continued.

Deepika, a publicity consultant who uses the Metro, said: “ Often, the personnel meant to prevent men from boarding these coaches are not there. Thus, male passengers refuse to respect the exclusivity of the women’s compartment.

Also, there is no announcement or sign saying men can be penalised for entering the women’s coach.” On the other hand, the exclusive coach for women has led to more crowding in the general coaches. The Metro brass was initially opposed to the idea of separate coaches, saying no such system existed abroad. They said a better idea was to have more trains and more coaches per train.

But with the warm reception the women-only coaches have received, the Metro is likely to stick to the decision. “ It’s definitely nice to not be pushed around,” Jyoti, a resident of Rajinder Nagar, said.

Another woman traveller, Sujata Deshmukh, suggested: “ Why doesn’t the DMRC mark doors for entry and exit?” Meanwhile, Rajouri Garden resident Hardeep Singh said: “ Women should also try to use the exclusive coaches as much as possible. Many still move into the overcrowded general coaches.”