Life in a ladies' coach

The life of women travelling in Delhi changed overnight when Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced a separate ladies’ coach.

The measure was taken to arrange a hassle free journey for women in Delhi who are already bogged down by the male attitude in the City.

Metrolife peeps into a ladies’ compartment to check how they are faring.

Last year in October, the announcement to make first coach of every train reserved for women brought many smiles on the faces of those for whom travelling in public transport in Delhi is no less than a nightmare.

Bharti Harsana, an MBA student says, “I used to travel when there was no separate coach for women and now I feel that things have changed. I still remember the stubborn attitude of men who refused to move even an inch from their seat, despite a reserved place for women.” A regular traveller from Green Park metro station to Pragati Maidan, Bharti is now much more comfortable in travelling.

The safety of travelling in the company of women is also a huge draw  for women travellers. Kovida Sharma, an engineering student of Delhi University says, “While travelling on the yellow line from Old Rajender Nagar to North Campus, I used to feel irritated with men just needing a reason to touch you, but now, I am glad that I don’t have to go through this ordeal. Thanks to the separate coach dedicated to women.”

Other than convenience, the young commuter also reveals the secret behind her pret look. “Even before I check out the market for a new dress or footwear I get a general idea of what’s popular this season. Women dress up so fashionably on a metro that I often manage to ask them where they bought a particular bag or dress from.”

However, not all is well. Even if there is a separate coach  for women, it is usually packed more than its capacity.  Nitya Jain, a B.Tech student of Amity University says, “It is good that measures have been taken to make commuting in Delhi easy for women, but unfortunately even this coach gets full. On second thoughts it does save us from eve-teasing and provides a safer environment to commute.”

But what disgusts all is the attitude of those women categorised as “aunties,” who push everyone to get inside the train without allowing others to deboard.  A regular metro commuter, Neha Garg, says, “I hate it when aunties push me to get into the train so that they can get a seat and then refuse to accomodate others.”

This is an unending debate in the life spent inside the ladies’ coach but what makes it worthwhile is the safety and  comfort the women commuters derive from a simple ride.