Eastern Railway cracks down on unauthorized occupancy of female-only spaces: 500+ arrests and Rs. 58,500 fine

The Eastern Railway has been enforcing strict measures under the 'Mahila Suraksha' initiative, focusing on preventing unauthorized entry and occupancy of spaces reserved for female passengers. The initiative, which forms part of the Eastern Railway's broader commitment to ensuring the safety and security of women travelers, has led to robust enforcement actions by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) between November 1 and November 12, 2024. This period saw the RPF actively addressing violations in designated female-only spaces across multiple divisions of Eastern Railway.

Central to these enforcement efforts is Section 162 of the Railways Act, 1989, which specifically targets unauthorized occupancy of spaces meant exclusively for female passengers. Under this provision, male passengers who enter or occupy these spaces are liable for fines and penalties. In cases where individuals refuse to vacate these reserved spaces when asked by railway staff, their tickets or passes may be confiscated, and they can be removed from the train or station. This law is intended to safeguard reserved spaces for women, ensuring their comfort and security while traveling.

Between November 1 and November 12, the RPF registered a total of 478 cases across various divisions. In these cases, 513 individuals were arrested for violations under Section 162 of the Railways Act. Among the divisions, Sealdah recorded the highest number of cases, with 194 cases registered, leading to 194 arrests and a fine collection of Rs. 24,400. The Howrah Division also saw significant enforcement, with 127 cases, 127 arrests, and a fine of Rs. 4,550.

Other divisions such as Malda and Asansol also participated in the enforcement action. In the Malda Division, 26 cases were registered, leading to 33 arrests and a total fine of Rs. 800. The Asansol Division recorded 131 cases, with 159 arrests and the highest fine collection of Rs. 28,800. Overall, the total fine collected across all divisions during this period was Rs. 58,500.

The enforcement actions have been widespread, with RPF officers taking a proactive approach in all four major divisions of Eastern Railway: Howrah, Sealdah, Malda, and Asansol. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to uphold the integrity of female-only spaces in trains and stations, which are specifically designated for the comfort and safety of women passengers.

In total, the Eastern Railway’s focus on female passenger safety has resulted in 478 cases and 513 arrests in just over a week. This initiative is being reinforced with regular patrolling and surveillance by the RPF across major stations and trains in Eastern Railway’s jurisdiction. The RPF has committed to continuing its efforts to maintain a secure environment, with regular checks to ensure that these designated spaces remain available for women. The Eastern Railway has also emphasized that it will continue to take firm action against violators of Section 162 of the Railways Act, with the aim of preventing any form of harassment or inconvenience for female passengers.