Metro earns Rs 32 lakh in 2 years from unruly men
2 Oct 2012 6:05 AM IST
Fines from men travelling in women’s only coaches have swelled Delhi Metro coffers by a staggering Rs 32 lakh, in the two years since the rule was introduced on 2 October 2010, an official said.
In August alone, 1,538 men were penalised Rs 3.8 lakh but they continue to break the rule with impunity, the official said. This, in spite of the fact that the first coach of each train is reserved for women only and this is prominently marked on both the train and on the platform.
‘Since the introduction of reserved coaches, 12,757 men have been fined Rs 3,189,250 [Rs 31.89 lakh] for unlawful entry in the last two years,’ a Metro official said.
Initially, Delhi Metro collected Rs 200 each from men flouting the law. The fine was raised to Rs 250 in November 2010 after policemen nabbed and thrashed several men travelling in a women’s-only coach.
‘Flying squads conduct surprise checks almost every day to catch errant commuters. These initiatives are for the convenience of travellers. But these can be successful only with commuters’ cooperation,’ the official, who did not want to be named, said.
The Central Industrial Security Force, which guards Metro stations, and the Delhi Police also form Bunch Domination Group squads, comprising women constables, to randomly board women’s-only coaches to catch offenders.
Delhi Metro also distributes leaflets with its helpline numbers and those of nearby police stations to commuters, especially women.
‘Moreover, passengers can always press the emergency alarm button available in all coaches and talk to the driver,’ said the official.
In August alone, 1,538 men were penalised Rs 3.8 lakh but they continue to break the rule with impunity, the official said. This, in spite of the fact that the first coach of each train is reserved for women only and this is prominently marked on both the train and on the platform.
‘Since the introduction of reserved coaches, 12,757 men have been fined Rs 3,189,250 [Rs 31.89 lakh] for unlawful entry in the last two years,’ a Metro official said.
Initially, Delhi Metro collected Rs 200 each from men flouting the law. The fine was raised to Rs 250 in November 2010 after policemen nabbed and thrashed several men travelling in a women’s-only coach.
‘Flying squads conduct surprise checks almost every day to catch errant commuters. These initiatives are for the convenience of travellers. But these can be successful only with commuters’ cooperation,’ the official, who did not want to be named, said.
The Central Industrial Security Force, which guards Metro stations, and the Delhi Police also form Bunch Domination Group squads, comprising women constables, to randomly board women’s-only coaches to catch offenders.
Delhi Metro also distributes leaflets with its helpline numbers and those of nearby police stations to commuters, especially women.
‘Moreover, passengers can always press the emergency alarm button available in all coaches and talk to the driver,’ said the official.
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