'Seat 38 – Purvi?': A simple question that echoed India's quiet shift toward safer travel for women
In her post, Jain, who was traveling alone on a late-night train from Mumbai to Surat, shared an experience that left her feeling hopeful about India's direction.
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'Purvi?' — a small check that meant a lot
At around 11 p.m., two women police officers entered her train compartment, looked around, and asked, 'Seat 38 – Purvi?'
Momentarily unsure, Jain confirmed her identity. What happened next came as a surprise.
'They stopped, checked whether I was comfortable, and asked if I needed any help. Then they gave me a helpline number to call if I ever feel unsafe,' she wrote in her now-viral post, which has received thousands of likes and shares across social media.
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She later discovered the officers were conducting a routine check on solo female passengers—a thoughtful safety measure introduced by Indian Railways and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to enhance women's security on overnight trains. An elderly couple seated nearby were just as touched.
'Their granddaughter often travels alone. Gestures like this make them feel reassured,' she added.
'One Step at a Time'
Jain, a frequent traveller, acknowledged how things are gradually changing for the better, citing improvements like quicker ticket bookings, easier Tatkal verification, and better train experiences with services like Vande Bharat.
'We're not perfect, and we're certainly not yet on par with developed nations. But moments like this show real progress is happening, even if it's one step at a time,' she reflected.
The Internet Reacts
Jain's story resonated widely, prompting many users to share their own positive encounters with Indian Railways and law enforcement.
One user commented, 'Were we in the same train or does this happen on a daily basis? I was as well checked by 2 women officers while I was traveling from Mumbai to Surat last Saturday.'
Another added, 'From the post and comments below it is clear that this is not an one off incident. Certainly a very praiseworthy initiative from Indian Railways and RPF.'
In a world often dominated by distressing headlines, Jain's experience has offered a welcome reminder that small, meaningful efforts can go a long way in shaping a safer and more hopeful society.
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