Women Participation in Rail Transport in India: Relevance and Need in Present Scenario

The article is written to address issue of women staff and passengers in Indian Railways. Despite being one of the largest transporter and employer in India, Railways have a poor share of women staff and women passengers. Article gives an overview of women share at present in Indian Railways and the need to increase this share. Poor share of women has resulted in poor planning of future projects from gender based perspective. The challenges faced by women employees are mentioned in the article and it gives two case studies of infrastructural deficiencies in the system. Situation in other countries is also mentioned for comparison and better understanding of India's place in this sector and it is projected how other countries are making efforts for increasing female share in Transport sector. Some suggestions are also given to make organization women friendly. This article is an effort for gender-equality in Rail Transportation in India-both for internal members and passengers.