Sealdah’s Matribhumi Locals May Soon Allow Male Passengers In Select Coaches
Sealdah’s Matribhumi Locals May Soon Allow Male Passengers In Select Coaches: Eastern Railway is preparing to make an important operational change to its Matribhumi Local train services under Sealdah Division. The move aims to make better use of available capacity and improve the commuting experience for passengers on some of the busiest suburban routes in Kolkata.
Underused Capacity Prompts Rethink
Recent monitoring of Matribhumi Locals—ladies-only trains that run across the Sealdah Division—revealed a consistent pattern of underutilised capacity. Many of these services are not operating at full occupancy, prompting authorities to explore ways to make train space more efficient while retaining safety and comfort for women travellers.
From Nine to Twelve Cars: Network Gets a Boost
The Sealdah Division has completed a major infrastructure upgrade in recent months, converting all its nearly 900 suburban EMU services from 9-car rakes to 12-car formations. This expansion has significantly boosted capacity, allowing more passengers to board each service and reducing overall congestion.
Matribhumi Trains to Get Shared Coaches
In light of this capacity enhancement, Eastern Railway has decided to earmark a few coaches on Matribhumi Local trains for general passengers, including male commuters. This change will be implemented without disrupting the comfort or safety of women passengers, who will still have access to designated ladies-only compartments.
Official Notification Expected Soon
Eastern Railway has confirmed that a detailed notification will be issued shortly to outline how the revised coach allocations will work. The goal is to strike a balance between inclusive access and women’s safety, while also easing the load on overcrowded general trains.
Improving Travel Experience for All
This development is part of Sealdah Division’s broader strategy to optimise passenger flow, enhance operational efficiency, and make better use of upgraded infrastructure. With more flexible space allocation, Eastern Railway aims to provide a smoother, safer and more comfortable journey for the millions who rely on its daily suburban services.
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