On the right track

The South Central Railway’s (SCR) significant stride to turn the Vidyanagar and Begumpet railway stations in the twin cities to ‘All-Women Employees Stations’ has brought smiles on the faces of the women staff. All the daily operations will now be handled by an all-women crew — including the Railway Protection Force personnel, booking clerk, information and reservation desk, commercial and cleanliness departments.

“The decision caught us by surprise because we were not informed about it earlier,” says an excited Ram Chander Meena, Station Master, Vidyanagar railway station, who adds, “Since our team had more women employees even earlier, we used to joke that it’ll be nice if the station becomes an ‘all-women’ one, but we never expected it so soon. However, the authorities felt that Vidyanagar is a safe station with less crime rate. Also, the public who commutes from here is dignified and respectful.”

Since the staff will now be all women, there can be effective coordination and a sense of unity among them. “We have been working for the last 20 years, so working in night shifts is no problem. In fact, we have now taken up more responsibilities. We have to prove ourselves for the opportunity given,” she says, adding, “We are a bit apprehensive whether things will progress smoothly or not, but we need to be careful managing it. The passengers are also surprised to see an ‘all-women’ station.”

Meanwhile, Begumpet railway station in Secunderabad Division has also become an ‘all-women’ station and the staff is kicked about making new beginnings. Gracy, Woman Head Constable says, “We are humbled by this gesture as women are being empowered, but it also shows that we are game to take on any mantle. It means a lot to us and we are all charged up to a new set of standards. There’s nothing to worry about when it comes to working during nights because most of us are used to it, plus we have the Railway Protection lady escorts. We have a lot of responsibilities and are confident we can deliver as a cohesive unit with renewed spirit.”

Meanwhile, Vinod Kumar Jain, General Manager of South Central Railway (SCR) adds that this is one of their many steps taken to empower women. “We have already installed sanitary napkin vending machines at several railway stations.

About 20 per cent of our staff comprise of women (including loco pilots, Station Masters, technical and security personnel), who are instrumental in taking the services to the next level. Further, the security of women passengers has been beefed up in the suburban trains in the city,” he says. 

Meanwhile, passengers at the two railway stations are pleasantly surprised to see women handling all the responsibilities at the two stations! “More surprises to come! Watch out!” adds Gracy.