05 May,2026 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The celebrations began with the distribution of roses to women passengers, officials said. Pic/WR
With distribution of red roses to women commuters travelling on the Mumbai local train, the Western Railway on Tuesday celebrated 34 years of 'Ladies Special' trains in city.
The Ladies Special service was first introduced on May 5, 1992, running between Churchgate and Borivali stations. It was later extended to Virar in 1993.
According to an official statement, the Western Railway marked a significant milestone on May 5 as its iconic Ladies Special train service completed 34 years.
"The celebrations began with the distribution of roses to women passengers, recognising the service's long-standing contribution to safer and more comfortable travel for women in Mumbai," the statement said.
The initiative came at a time when the city was witnessing rapid industrial and commercial growth, particularly in its southern regions. With more women entering the workforce and commuting from northern suburbs, the need for a dedicated, safe travel option became increasingly important, it said.
The introduction of an entire train reserved for women allowed commuters to avoid overcrowded compartments in regular local trains.
The service aimed to provide:
- Greater comfort and ease of boarding
- Safer travel during peak hours
- Accessibility for elderly women, pregnant passengers and those travelling with children
For many, the Ladies Special became a dependable alternative, especially when travelling during busy hours or from intermediate stations, officials said.
Over the years, the Ladies Special has evolved beyond just a transport service. It has fostered a strong sense of community among regular passengers. Daily commuters often form friendships, share experiences, and support one another, creating a unique social environment within the train.
Since its launch, both the number of services and their popularity have steadily increased. Today, Western Railway operates 10 Ladies Special services daily, evenly split between morning and evening peak hours on the UP and DOWN lines.
Key routes include:
- Virar to Churchgate
- Borivali to Churchgate
- Bhayandar to Churchgate
- Vasai Road to Churchgate
Return services run from Churchgate to Borivali and Virar during evening hours.
Railway officials highlighted that the Ladies Special remains an essential service, particularly for women who rely on local trains for daily commuting.
