Is pregnancy a handicap?

Soon, authorities may allow expectant mothers to board the disabled compartment of the local trains

Is pregnancy a handicap?

Soon, authorities may allow expectant mothers to board the disabled compartment of the local trains

Boarding a local train in Mumbai during peak hours is a tough task for most, especially pregnant women. However, if things go according to plan, expectant mothers may be allowed to travel in the section meant for disabled people.

According to a senior railway official, who requested anonymity, "We are holding discussions on whether pregnant passengers should be allowed to board the section reserved for disabled people. We are considering allowing those women who are in and beyond the sixth month of their pregnancy." He added, "Otherwise, travelling in Mumbai locals' rush hours is very difficult for them."

Last year, the railways' passenger association National Railway Users Consultative Committee (NRUCC) had written a letter addressed to the General Manager and Divisional Railway Manager of the Central zone of the Indian Railways urging them to allow pregnant women to board this section. However, then the railway authorities had ruled this out, stating that it would be difficult to identify all pregnant women.

Subhash Gupta, member of NRUCC, said, "Last year we raised this issue, but officials refused stating that unless a woman is well into her pregnancy, it will be difficult to ascertain whether she is pregnant or not. They feared that even women who are not pregnant will board the section when there is too much of a rush in the trains." According to Gupta, he will approach the officials again, asking them to rethink their decision.

Ashok Kumar Singh, PRO, Central Railway, said about the issue, "It's a matter of policy. We will forward their request to the concerned authority and think about it."

However, most disabled people for whom the section is marked, are opposed to the idea of pregnant women being allowed inside the 'disabled' section. Jitendra Karelia, President, Disability Advocacy Group (DAG), said, "Often during rush hours women board our section but we don't object. We are totally against this proposal.

How can they demand such a thing when it will clearly trouble us?" According to the DAG, everyday, nearly 2.5 lakh disabled people travel aboard the local trains. "We will protest if the railway agrees to it," he added.

According to Jyoti Pujare, a polio-afflicted commuter who travels from Mira Road station to Marine Lines station on a regular basis, said, "Whenever pregnant women enter our coach, we allow and take care of them. But often we have noticed that along with a pregnant woman, at least two companions enter the compartment, on the pretext that they have to take care of her. This inconveniences everyone."