Eastern Railway put on hold decision to allow male passengers in Ladies' special train

KOLKATA: The Eastern Railway today put on hold its decision to allow male passengers in a few compartments of Sealdah-Ranaghat-Sealdah Matribhoomi Ladies' special EMU local train after yesterday's day-long face-off between passengers of both sexes.

"It has been decided to continue the status quo in case of Sealdah-Ranaghat-Sealdah Matribhoomi Ladies' special EMU local train with effect from tomorrow till final decision is taken after review," Eastern Railway sources said here.

At least six GRP and police personnel were injured in brickbatting by two groups of passengers when the security forces tried to remove them from the tracks at Khardah station during protest against ER's decision to convert four coaches of the ladies special train to general compartments.

Male and female passengers launched separate sit-ins on the tracks at Khardah station on Sealdah-Krishnagar section.

Women passengers were protesting against the Railway's decision to convert four coaches of the ladies' special into general compartments, while men squatted in support of the decision.

As the protests turned acrimonious, the railway station turned into a war zone with the groups exchanging brickbats.

When the police and GRP failed to disperse the protesters, the police resorted to teargassing and lathi charge to disperse the protesters.

Train services were disrupted from 8.00 am to 12.30 pm in Sealdah- Krishnagar section, leading to cancellation of several EMU local trains.

However, male passengers will be allowed to travel in nominated coaches in other Matribhoomi EMU locals in Sealdah Main, Central & South sections as per new arrangements, the sources said.