Installation of CCTV camera and emergency alarm bells in ladies compartments in trains are among a series of steps recommended by a parliamentary committee for safe travel by women.
The 31-member committee has also asked railways for giving a distinct colour code to ladies compartments to make it easily identifiable by all women commuters--even illiterate or uneducated passengers.
It has also sought banning of entry of unauthorsied vendors, beggars and anti-social elements into the ladies compartmemnt.
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The Standing Committee on Railways, in its latest report, has recommended a common helpine number for women passengers for all trains and deployment of adequate security personnel in rail premises to instil a sense of confidence among women passengers.
Observing that the present representation of women in Railway Protection Force is very minimal at 1.7 per cent only, the panel, headed by headed by DMK MP T R Baalu, has recommended that the Railway Ministry expedite the process of recruitment of women candidates in RPF.
The committee regetted although the Railways have specified a very impressive list of basic amenities that should be provided in susburban stations, "they have not been very successful in ensuring that all these amenities, in particular clean and hygienic toilet facilities, are made available to the travelling public."
The committee wanted potable and clean drinking water to be made available at all stations. The committee also emphasized the importance of proper lighting at station premises, platforms circulating area, resting area and toilets.
