Matunga station's all-women staff raise safety concerns

Matunga station, that entered the Limca Book of Records in January this year for its all-women staff, has now become a safety concern for them. The women are worried about anti-social elements who roam around the station's premises — particularly the ticket booking counter which is in an isolated location.

According to sources, the female staff raised their fears to the Western Railway Mazdoor Sangh (WRMS) on March 9. The letter states: "The location of Matunga station is close to the main street and also isolated where anti-social elements are sitting/wandering. There is no lady RPF security available to the lonely lady commercial clerk during the night. This is very risky because criminals can take undue advantage of this situation."

Ajay Singh from WRMS said, "This is a serious issue as one can find drug addicts sitting right outside or close to the ticket windows at Matunga Road station. We have asked the Western Railway administration to improve security."

According to sources, male RPF staff will likely be posted at the station for patrolling to ensure safety. Two female staff will also be posted at the booking office. The ticket counters will have grill windows and doors apart from a hotline number.