Pune–Mumbai Commuters Demand Women’s Pass Coach, More General Compartments on Key Trains
Pune, 9th February 2026: Daily passengers travelling between Pune and Mumbai have raised fresh concerns over worsening overcrowding and inadequate facilities, urging Central Railway to introduce immediate measures on some of the busiest intercity trains on the route.
The Pune–Mumbai–Pune Railway Passengers’ Association has submitted a formal representation to the General Manager of Central Railway, seeking the addition of a dedicated coach for women monthly pass holders on the Sinhagad Express. Such a facility, the association noted, is already available on several other prominent services operating between the two cities.
A signature campaign has also been conducted to press for stricter and more frequent ticket and pass checks in monthly pass holder coaches on trains such as the Deccan Queen, Pragati Express, and Sinhagad Express. The memorandum outlining these demands was submitted by Iqbal “Bhaijaan” Mulani on behalf of the association.
In its submission, the association emphasised that the Sinhagad Express is the first morning train from Pune to Mumbai and serves as a key service for office-goers, traders, and business travellers. Despite heavy and consistent demand, the train currently lacks a separate coach for women holding monthly passes.
The absence of such a facility, commuters said, causes daily inconvenience for female passengers who depend on the service for regular work travel.
The association also pointed to a broader issue of congestion on major intercity services, describing the Deccan Queen, Sinhagad Express, and Pragati Express as “lifeline trains” for thousands of daily commuters.
According to the memorandum, crowding has intensified since general coaches were reduced after train services resumed with LHB rake configurations in March 2022.
-The Sinhagad Express, which operated with 19 coaches until March 2020, was later reduced to 16 and now runs with 14 coaches, including the removal of two general compartments.
-The Deccan Queen has also seen capacity cuts with one general coach and two SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coaches withdrawn.
Passenger representatives argue that these reductions have significantly limited space for unreserved travellers, increasing pressure on the remaining compartments.
With limited room in general coaches, many unreserved passengers are reportedly forced to enter reserved or monthly pass holder coaches. This often leads to disputes and friction between different categories of passengers, causing daily inconvenience and discomfort for regular commuters.
Monthly pass holders, the association noted, are particularly affected as they expect relatively assured travel space after paying for season tickets.
Key Demands to Railway Authorities
To address the situation, the association has requested:
-Immediate introduction of a dedicated women’s coach for monthly pass holders on the Sinhagad Express
-Restoration of at least three general coaches each on the Deccan Queen and Sinhagad Express
-Strict and regular ticket and pass inspections in monthly pass holder coaches on major Pune–Mumbai trains
Copies of the memorandum have also been sent to the Divisional Railway Manager, Chief Commercial Manager, and Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway.
Commuter representatives say these steps are necessary not only to improve passenger comfort but also to enhance safety and maintain orderly travel on one of Maharashtra’s busiest rail corridors.
