The ineffectiveness of the Central Railways helpline number that is displayed in the ladies compartment of local trains has been a cause of much concern among the female commuters. Lady commuters complain that on the rare occasion that their call is answered, immediate action is almost never taken.
Babita Bhist, a receptionist in a hospital, was taken aback by the response she got from the helpline services. “I commute regularly on the 10.08 pm Khopoli local, whose timing has now been revised to 10.11 pm. A few days ago, when we boarded the train from Dadar station, we noticed a vagabond dressed in rags, sitting in the compartment. We were quite reluctant to take a seat next to her. However, few of my friends gathered courage and asked her to get down from the train. But they failed as the woman started screaming and fighting,” she said, adding, “I noticed the railway helpline number and called them up for help. By the time the multiple officials I spoke to could understand and note down the details, my train had reached Bhandup station. I pleaded the officer to dispatch officials to ensure that the lady is escorted out at Thane station. But it never happened, as no RPF officials came to assist us. The entire journey of 90 minutes was the most dreadful journey of my life.”
Similar situations have been faced by other commuters as well. Vaishali Nemade who was travelling at night from CST to Kalyan was intimidated by a man clad in saffron robes with a thick stick.
When this paper contacted Central railway’s public relations officer, A.K. Singh, he said, “Such incidents have never been reported to my office. Our emergency services are very quick and they always reach the spot whenever needed.”