With a view to strengthen security of women passengers in trains, Central Railway (CR) has introduced 'panic button' system to alert officials in case of an emergency.
The security feature - Red push button - installed inside each of the four ladies coach of a local train was launched last week on a trial basis, a senior CR official said today.
Currently, women passengers have to depend on either on helpline numbers by call or SMS, or on chain-pulling in emergency situation, but with this system immediate action can be taken, he said.
Briefing on the feature, a CR press released said in case of an emergency, women passengers can press the button, which is placed next to the alarm chain, which will give an audio visual indication on flasher units provided outside the coach, thereby alerting commuters and staffers at the platform.
"An audio visual indication will also be received by the motorman and crew and the control room. A reset button has been provided with the audio visual alarm. This button can be used to put off the alarm indication system," it said.
The installation of the feature was done at Carriage Workshop in Matunga.
Meanwhile, railway experts said it is welcome move by the Central Railway in ensuring safety of women passengers.
Rajiv Singal, former member of Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee, said, "This is good that Central Railway has gone one step ahead to instill a sense of security among women commuters. But most importantly, they must ensure that the service is properly maintained.
