A new train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai has drawn praise from a travel creator for features that could make journeys safer and more comfortable for women travelling alone. From CCTV cameras and locked
doors to clean washrooms, the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express appears to address common concerns women face on long overnight trips. However, social media users also pointed out that keeping the train clean and safe will depend on how passengers treat it.
The train was flagged off on November 1. Before its official launch, a few social media creators got a chance to travel on it and share their experience. Travel creator Divya Saha highlighted several features that she felt would make a difference, especially for women travelling alone.
Travel Creator Praises Train’s Safety Features
In a video shared on her Instagram account, @exploreredivi, Divya showed some of the facilities inside the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. She pointed out that the coaches have CCTV cameras, locked doors and well-lit corridors.
She said these features could make night travel feel safer. The locked doors are also expected to stop people without tickets from entering the coaches during the journey.
Divya also spoke about the condition of the washrooms, which can be a major concern during long train journeys. She said they were still clean at 11:30 PM, even though she had been travelling since the morning.
Social Media Users Say Passengers Must Keep It Clean
The post received several responses, with many users praising the facilities. However, some felt that passengers also had a responsibility to keep the train in good condition.
One user wrote, “Let’s hope people maintain this. Everyone needs development, but it comes with the responsibility of having civic sense.”
Another said, “That’s great, as long as people treat it as their own and don’t fill it with trash.”
A person praised the changes in the railways, writing, “Indian railway day by day.”
Some users also pointed out that safety features are important for everyone, not just women. One comment read, “These are safety features for both men and women, not just women. As a man, I appreciate and expect these features to keep me safe as well, from other men and women.”
Another user summed up the concern, saying, “Now the future of the Vande Bharat sleeper train depends on the civic sense of people.”
Bengaluru-Mumbai Train Will Run Six Days A Week
According to South Western Railway, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate six days a week. There will be no service from Bengaluru on Mondays and from Mumbai on Tuesdays.
The train will leave SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and reach CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day. On its return journey, it will depart Mumbai at 8:10 PM and arrive in Bengaluru at 12 PM.
The journey between the two cities will take around 16 hours. The train will stop at eight stations along the way: Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan.
Disclaimer: This article is based on user-generated content. The claims made in the original post have not been independently verified by News18.
