Request to implement measures to make the Delhi Metro safer and friendlier for women passengers

Dear Sir/Madam,

We the undersigned join the concerned citizens of Delhi in urging you to exercise your authority to ensure a safer Metro for all.

We believe that a majority of women do not feel safe while travelling in the Delhi Metro. We have spoken to a cross-section of Metro commuters who have shared with us their experiences most of which include instances of verbal and physical harassment mostly faced by women, specifically in the womens-only compartment. In fact, a few days ago, some of the members of our group who were traveling at night observed that the womens-only compartment was populated with men who had occupied almost all the seats forcing the women to stand, leaving them with no choice but to actively demand the seats they were entitled to. The men were unapologetic and dismissive. Most shrugged off the womens protest by claiming falsely that the womens-only compartment turns general post 9 p.m..

Women who choose to travel in the general compartment are also harassed. There have been many instances where men have told women that they are not welcome in this compartment and should use the compartment reserved for them. This attitude has become so deeply entrenched in commuters mindsets that most accidentally refer to the general compartment as the mens compartment. There have been times when authorities have driven out men from the womens-only compartments, but without having imposed any fine whatsoever.



To ensure that the Delhi Metro be of world-class standards with regard to safety, reliability, punctuality, comfort and customer satisfaction is among the prerogatives of the DMRC, according to its own mission statement published on its website . It is indeed a pity that thus far, this mission seems to privilege men, leaving the women of Delhi in a dilemma.

Women commuters have to contend with harassment by way of lewd comments, uncomfortable glares, indifference, apathy and physical abuse on an almost daily basis, which makes the Metro an uncomfortable space for women to travel in. This is highly disadvantageous, considering the Metro is perhaps the largest and most economical means of public transport in Delhi.

The situation needs to change. It is the duty of the State and the DMRC to spearhead this change.

We the commuters on the Delhi Metro have the following suggestions to make to ensure a safer, friendlier and more respectable environment for women within the Metro premises.

1. Ensure regular announcement inside the Metro train and within the Metro stations stating categorically that, Any person involved in, assisting in, or indulging in any activity that outrages a womans modesty, including but not limited to molesting and eve-teasing, will be punished with imprisonment and/or fine. The announcement should clearly state the Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code under which sexual harassment is a punishable crime.

2. Announcements like, Men entering the womens compartment will be fined Rs. 250, should be made at regular intervals on the public announcement systems. Spot fines should be collected by DMRC Staff posted at the Metro Stations from men caught travelling in the womens compartment.

3. Adequate training should be given to DMRC staff and CISF personnel stationed at platforms in handling of such cases with specific focus to sensitize the DMRC staff to handle victims with greater care and concern.

4. Every Metro Station should have at least one lady officer who is specially trained and equipped to handle such cases including registration of such offences, counseling the victim and the like.

5. The current system where one has to go to Kashmere Gate to file a FIR for cases related to the metro needs to be decentralized urgently. Every metro station should have a complaint cell conveniently and prominently located within the premises of the metro station and should be able to handle/register cases for the entire duration for which the metro runs daily, i.e. between 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. A system should also be evolved whereby the metro helpdesk/officials assist the victim in registering any case successfully.

6. Information Boards should be installed at every Metro station at strategic locations, such as near the ticketing counter, with detailed directions for lodging a complaint against an instance of harassment as well as emergency contact numbers of Delhi Metro officials, laws against molestation and other necessary information.

7. CCTVs must be installed inside the Metro compartments and information on how to procure CCTV footage, if and when required, should be made available to commuters at the earliest.

8. A section of the advertisement space available inside the Metro should be compulsorily reserved for displaying information relating to the legal assistance available to victims of molestation and harassment and remedies for the same.

9. The DMRC ought to provide details of helpline numbers and contact numbers/email addresses of important Metro authorities in the Metro Map Brochure and also inside the Metro train so that commuters are aware of the same and can contact the required persons in times of emergency. It has been brought to our notice by various commuters that some of the numbers are not functional. It is the prerogative of the authorities to ensure the helpline numbers are functional and are consistently monitored for efficiency and efficacy.

10. The DMRC ought to monitor, review and increase security arrangements and make authorities more accountable for lapses in security.

It is our earnest request that our above demands be heard and implemented by the concerned authorities at the earliest. This will go a long way in ensuring that women feel safe commuting by the Delhi Metro and in fulfilling the DMRCs mission of providing world-class service to the citizens of Delhi.

This petition is drafted and supported by PLEASE MEND THE GAP, a citizen- led initiative to promote gender equality and commuter safety in public spaces.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely,
The Undersigned