In the world of Indian Railways, IRCTC Updates Reservation System to Protect Women’s Safety while traveling. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made accommodations to women. They guarantee that female passengers won’t find themselves seated alone with five male strangers. This has come up after complaints from travelers wanting more security and comfort.
It’s never been comfortable for women traveling alone or in small groups to enjoy comfortable seating arrangements in sleeper and AC coaches. The demand for better travel policies has come to light as stories of harassment and safety have made the news.
The railway has updated its reservation system to ensure that if a female is traveling alone, she will not be placed in a compartment with five male travelers. The railway has thus, responded to individual requests for greater safety and comfort for women traveling alone and has implemented changes to policies and seat allocation.
2. Current Safety Plans for Women Travelers
Indian Railways has tried some women friendly plans. These include:
Ladies Quota – Women only reserved berths on sleeper and AC coaches.
Women only Compartment – On local trains, there are exclusive areas.
Royal Protection Force (RPF) Escorts – Security personnel on vulnerable routes.
Helpline 182 – Once again an emergency number and is open 24/7 for security needs.
The new seating was developed to:
Reduce unwanted advances and anxiety for women traveling alone
Encourage more women traveling alone, and reduce their anxiety regarding their potential safety risks
Improve the experiences of all travelers traveling on various modes of transportation, encourage consideration for other passengers in terms of good seating behaviors
As a whole, the new reservation program has been positively welcomed by traveling public. Although a lower number of respondents commented on reserving only women’s coaches on long distance trains, and improving monitoring systems. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is committed to improving the reservation program to support women’s travel and are willing to accommodate suggestions whenever they arise and they can apply them to improve the reservation process.
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The lightweight restraint and streamlined reservation policy is a significant part of the overall trend toward safer travel for women in India, by offering safety in railway travel through addressing seating issues, while promoting a greater enjoyment of travelling. Indian Railways is committed to enhancing public travel opportunities and experience and continues promoting women’s safety in travel and the rights to feeling secure.