Pune: Commuters’ Association Seeks Separate Women’s Coach in Sinhagad Express, Flags Overcrowding on Pune–Mumbai Trains
Pune: Commuters’ Association Seeks Separate Women’s Coach in Sinhagad Express, Flags Overcrowding on Pune–Mumbai Trains
Pune, February 9, 2026: The Pune–Mumbai–Pune Railway Passengers’ Association has formally approached the General Manager of Central Railway, demanding a dedicated coach for women monthly pass holders in the Sinhagad Express, bringing it in line with other trains operating on the Pune–Mumbai route.
In addition, the association conducted a signature campaign seeking regular ticket and pass inspections in the monthly pass holder coaches of the Deccan Queen, Pragati Express, and Sinhagad Express. A memorandum containing these demands has been submitted to the railway authorities. The letter was sent by Iqbal (Bhaijaan) Mulani, representing the Pune–Mumbai–Pune Railway Passengers’ Association.
The association pointed out that Sinhagad Express is the first morning train from Pune to Mumbai, making it the primary choice for daily office-goers and business commuters. Despite heavy rush, the train still lacks a separate reserved coach for women pass holders, a facility available in all other trains on the route.
Overcrowding Linked to Coach Reductions
Highlighting the importance of the Deccan Queen, Sinhagad Express, and Pragati Express as lifeline services for daily commuters, the association stated that overcrowding has worsened following the reduction in general coaches after the resumption of services post-COVID on 22 March 2022 with LHB rake configurations.
Sinhagad Express earlier operated with 19 coaches (till March 2020), later reduced to 16 coaches, and currently runs with 14 coaches, with two general coaches removed.
Deccan Queen Express has seen the removal of one general coach and two SLR coaches, reducing overall capacity.
Daily Hardship for Passengers
According to the association, the reduction in general coaches has led to severe congestion, leaving unreserved passengers with insufficient standing space. This situation often forces ticket holders to enter reserved and monthly pass holder coaches, resulting in frequent disputes, conflicts, and daily inconvenience for regular commuters, particularly monthly pass holders.
The association has demanded the restoration of at least three general coaches in both the Deccan Queen and Sinhagad Express, along with the immediate provision of a separate women’s coach for monthly pass holders in the Sinhagad Express.
Copies of the memorandum have also been submitted to the Divisional Railway Manager, Chief Commercial Manager, and Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway.
