The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is rigorously penalising male passengers who enter coaches designated exclusively for women. Official reports reveal that from January to June of this year, DMRC issued fines to 1,906 male individuals for violating this crucial policy.
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
Male passengers caught entering women-only coaches face a fine of Rs 250. The month of May saw the highest number of penalties, with 443 fines issued, followed closely by 419 in April and 408 in February. Anuj Dayal, DMRC’s Principal Executive Director, emphasised the ongoing enforcement of these penalties alongside various awareness campaigns aimed at educating passengers about the importance of respecting designated coach norms.
“The Delhi Metro regularly penalises male passengers who enter the coach reserved for women. Additionally, several awareness initiatives are in place to sensitise male passengers regarding this issue,” stated Dayal.
Awareness Initiatives
DMRC is committed to raising awareness through multiple channels, including in-train announcements, social media campaigns, and special enforcement drives. These initiatives aim to effectively reduce such violations and promote a safer commuting environment.
Prioritising Women’s Safety
Women’s safety remains a top priority for the DMRC, as reflected in clear signage at platforms indicating the location of reserved coaches, typically located at the front of each train. Moreover, DMRC ensures reserved seating for women in all coaches and has deployed quick reaction teams to swiftly enforce regulations.
Continued Efforts and Previous Initiatives
The ongoing initiatives demonstrate DMRC’s dedication to preventing male passengers from entering women’s coaches. A significant drive conducted in September 2023, in collaboration with the CISF and DMRP, reinforced these efforts. This campaign spanned all lines of the network from 6 pm to 10 pm over a period of ten days, further solidifying the commitment to commuter safety.
As DMRC continues to implement these measures, the focus remains on creating a secure and respectful environment for all passengers.