The Government Railway Police (GRP) of Mumbai has launched an awareness programme to inform women commuters about the precautions they can take while travelling on local trains in Mumbai. The GRP is also conducting increased patrolling in women’s compartments to ensure the safety of commuters. This comes in the light of a recent incident where a 20-year-old college student was sexually assaulted on board a moving suburban train on June 14.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Sandip Bhajibhakre, said that the GRP is informing women commuters about safety precautions and emergency phone numbers, so they can feel safer while travelling. The initiative is aimed at increasing awareness and empowering women to take precautions and report incidents of harassment or violence.
Local trains in Mumbai are a vital mode of transport for millions of people, and women commuters are vulnerable to incidents of harassment and violence. The GRP’s increased patrolling and awareness programme are expected to go a long way in creating a safer environment for women commuters.
This move by the GRP has been welcomed by women commuters, who have long advocated for measures to ensure their safety while travelling on local trains. The initiative has also received support from activists and experts working on women’s safety issues.
While this is a positive step, more needs to be done to make public transport safer for women in Mumbai and other cities in India. For instance, there is a need for more CCTV cameras on trains and stations, better lighting, and increased police presence. It is also important to increase awareness and education about women’s safety among men and boys, so they can understand the issues and act as allies in the fight against harassment and violence.
In conclusion, the GRP’s initiative to create awareness and increase patrolling in women’s compartments is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of women commuters in Mumbai. However, there is a need for continued efforts to make public transport safe and inclusive for all.
