The Bombay High Court has directed the Railway Authorities to permit senior citizens to travel in the luggage compartment of Mumbai local trains until dedicated coaches for them are introduced.

"It is beyond comprehension as to why, despite taking such decision, the benefit to the senior citizens to travel in the luggage compartments is not being given. We, therefore, direct that if there is no other impediment, the Central Railway managing the local trains in Mumbai shall ensure compliance of the said decision contained in paragraph 5 of the circular/letter dated 13th July 2023," the order reads. 

A division bench of the Bombay High Court, consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by KPP Nair, seeking a separate compartment for senior citizens on Mumbai local trains. 

During the hearing, Central Railway informed the court that it has decided to allocate one coach in each local train in Mumbai exclusively for senior citizens. The bench was also apprised that modifications are required for 105 rakes on Western Railway and 155 rakes on Central Railway to implement this plan.

The process of modification, which is expected to take approximately two years from the issuance of the work order, will be carried out without disrupting existing train services. Once completed, the modified coaches will be available for senior citizens.

The High Court, in its order, expressed hope that the work order for the necessary modifications would be issued promptly and that the entire project would be completed within the stipulated two-year period. Consequently, the bench disposed of the petition.