Mom-to-be seeks coach for pregnant women, CR refuses

MUMBAI: A young public relations professional from Dombivli, Vijayalaxmi Raje, has filed a unique plea before the railways. She has requested them to reserve a separate small section or compartment for expectant women.
However, Central Railway has denied her request. She received a letter to say that introducing more reserved categories other than the current coaches for women, handicapped and senior citizens will force them to curtail space for general travellers.It has confirmed that pregnant women can board the coach for handicapped persons. However, the notice at the entrance of the compartment only permits women in an “advanced stage” of pregnancy, whose definition is not specified.
Vijayalaxmi is unhappy with the response. “I am in the fourth month of pregnancy. Over the past few weeks I have tried to board the coach reserved for handicapped persons but this draws hostility from other passengers. Some of them refuse to believe I am expecting since the condition is only visible in the advanced stage. Others ask me to vacate the seat and stand throughout the journey. One fellow passenger even rebuked me saying that pregnant women are allowed to travel in this coach only after the sixth month.” On August 11, she filed a written complaint with Dombivli railway police.
Vijaylaxmi says it is the first few months that are more crucial than later stages. She has urged the railways to allow expectant mothers to travel as soon as their condition is detected. “They can permit us to do so based on a doctor’s certificate. Often when I speak with other expectant women in the compartment they express a similar desire,” she says.
Her gynaecologist Shalaka Sonawane says, “Vijayalaxmi’s plea to the railways is very apt. Train compartments are so overcrowded during rush hour that a pregnant woman faces several risks. She is unable to board or alight easily, or may slip and fall and miscarry. Often there is physical pressure on the abdomen which may squeeze the baby or suffocate the mother. Add to that the mental stress of travel. I think the railways should certainly consider allowing women to travel by handicapped coaches all through the duration of the pregnancy. Each stage is crucial”.
Interestingly, Dr Sonawane points out that the railways is the safest mode of transportation for pregnant women.
“Roads are riddled with potholes so taking the bus or rickshaw may cause bumps which can spell harm for both mother and child. The train ride is smooth,” she said.