'Ambernath-CSMT local commuters grab seats in first class coaches flaunting railway connection'

Women first class commuters queue up as they await the arrival of the 8.27 am CSMT train, at Ambernath station

Women first class commuters of the 8.27am Ambernath-CSMT local who have taken the initiative of forming a queue to get into the train to avoid chaos are upset that a few travellers are forcing their way into the coaches claiming to be relatives of railway employees.

The women commuters have demanded deployment of more ticket checkers and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel apart from advance announcements of the arrival of the train. The train has three sections, each with 14 seats, for such commuters.

"We are regular travelers from Ambemath to CSMT We take the 8:27 am Ambernath starting fast train everyday. As a precautionary measure to avoid accidents due to passengers jumping in to the running train, we started a practice of forming a queue to occupy the 14 seats. However, since the last few weeks we have been observing few passengers in spite of explaining the queue system jump and occupy the seats, claiming to be relatives of railway employees," reads a letter signed by 13 women commuters to the Central Railway.

"We sincerely request the authorities to seriously start monitoring the train by deploying ticket checkers at Ambernath railway station and support the initiative and also seek clarity on the issue," Prachi Adak, a woman commuter said.

"We have also sought cooperation from the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police [GRP] personnel in case of dispute and emergency. The railways should also announce in advance the position for trains starting from Ambernath," another woman commuter said.

Central Railway officials promised to address the concerns. "Random ticket checks are conducted on all trains and stations in addition to regular checks. Everyone with a valid ticket or pass is allowed to board the train. In case of an emergency, the commuters can always call the RPF or GRP security helpline and seek immediate help," a CR spokesperson said.

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GRP Mumbai helpline