The ER said that according to Section 162 of the Railways Act, men occupying space reserved for women is considered a punishable offence. “To avoid penal measures, male passengers should not travel in ladies’ compartments or ladies’ special trains. There are alternative compartments or trains available with enough space for the male travellers. It is everybody’s responsibility to maintain the dignity of women, and all are expected to act in that direction. If any kind of assistance is required, lady passengers may dial 139 to get help from Railways,” read an ER statement.

Meanwhile, in October, the RPF of Eastern Railway apprehended over 10,000 people for spitting and littering at railway premises. During the quarter from July to September 2024, the RPF apprehended 12,900 offenders for making railway premises unclean, resulting in a total fine of Rs 17,66,010. Specifically, 4,958 people were apprehended in the Howrah division, 2,023 in the Sealdah division, 2,214 in the Asansol division, and 3,704 in the Malda division during this period.

In October 2024, the RPF intensified its vigilance to maintain the aesthetics of station premises, especially during the festive season. From October 1 to 30, the RPF apprehended 10,470 people across the ER jurisdiction and collected a fine of Rs 15,37,965 from offenders for spitting and littering on railway premises.

In the Howrah division, 2,786 people were apprehended; in the Sealdah division, 4,666 people were caught; in the Asansol division, 2,304 people were apprehended; and in the Malda division, 714 people were caught for similar offences.

In its release, the ER stated that the railway housekeeping staff work tirelessly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at railway premises. It added that it is the responsibility of rail users and passengers to help keep these areas clean and not engage in any behaviour that could harm health and hygie