There’s something about train journeys that always stirs a sense of nostalgia — the scenic landscapes rushing past in the opposite direction, distant villages fading from view, the chai vendors calling out at every stop, and the shy glances exchanged between strangers. Yet, every journey tells a different story. For women, especially those travelling alone, the experience can sometimes be intense — and far from nostalgic.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, crimes against women on trains have shown mixed trends. A 2023 Press Information Bureau (PIB) report noted a “considerable decrease” from 2019, though reduced train services during the pandemic may have influenced reporting. Earlier figures showed sharper rises — such as cases in the Southern Railway zone jumping from 197 in 2017 to 980 in 2018. In Mumbai, the Western Railway’s RPF recorded 45 molestation and 5 rape cases in early 2024.
Women’s safety in public spaces remains a pressing concern. What should feel like an adventure often turns into a test of alertness and caution. But the onus of safety should never rest solely on women. It lies equally with society — in how we design, police, and perceive our public spaces. Safer train journeys begin with better infrastructure, responsive authorities, aware bystanders, and an environment where women feel protected rather than on guard.
Still, until those systems strengthen across the board, awareness and preparedness remain powerful tools. Simple precautions can make train travel safer and more comfortable. Here are important safety tips every woman should follow while travelling by train in India.
When you're travelling, most part of your comfort depends on the atmosphere of the train coach you're in. And so, you must choose wisely. When booking, opt for AC coaches or ladies’ compartments, which tend to be cleaner, quieter, and more secure. Selecting seats near families or women travellers can make a world of difference.
Ayesha Khurana, a digital creator and wellness influencer, says that being constantly on the move for shoots, collaborations, and events comes with its own challenges. “I have to travel frequently between cities, and trains are honestly my go-to for most trips,” she shares. “Over time, I’ve learned how to make solo travel both safe and comfortable.” For Ayesha, safety is non-negotiable. “Whenever I’m travelling alone, I double-check my seat allocation and try to sit near families or women passengers — it instantly makes the space feel safer,” she adds. She prefers AC coaches or ladies’ compartments, which she finds not only cleaner and more comfortable but also more respectful in atmosphere. “Feeling safe allows me to actually enjoy the journey instead of worrying about it,” she says.
Safety begins long before the train leaves the platform. A few mindful steps taken before you board can make a world of difference once you’re on the move.
“I always share my live location and train details with my family,” says Palak Tandon, a PR professional who often travels by train. This simple habit — sharing your train number, coach, and PNR details with a trusted contact — ensures someone always knows your whereabouts. It’s also wise to keep emergency contacts saved and easily accessible on your phone, and to memorise key helpline numbers such as 139 (Railway Helpline) and 1091 (Women’s Helpline). These small but proactive measures can make all the difference in an unexpected situation.
“I prefer trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi — they have reliable facilities and tighter security,” says Sushmita, a 23-year-old journalist from Sikkim who works in Delhi and often undertakes the long journey between the two cities.
While there’s no officially designated “safest” train, certain services are known for blending comfort with reliability. Whenever possible, choose premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Vande Bharat, which are maintained to higher standards of cleanliness, punctuality, and onboard supervision. These trains are typically equipped with CCTV surveillance, trained crew, and dedicated security personnel, making them a reassuring choice for solo women travellers. Beyond comfort, their consistency and controlled environment offer something even more valuable — peace of mind on the move.
Peace of mind often comes down to how you secure your belongings. A few simple precautions can save you from unnecessary worry during long journeys. Always use berth hooks or safety chains to fasten your bags, especially while sleeping or on overnight routes. Keep valuables — your phone, wallet, ID, and travel documents — within arm’s reach, ideally in a crossbody pouch or waist bag that stays on you.
Additionally, avoid placing electronics or handbags near doors or under lower berths where they’re easily accessible to others. If you’re carrying multiple bags, store the less valuable ones overhead and keep your essentials close.
Travelling by train at night can be perfectly safe when approached with awareness and intention. The stillness of the journey invites rest, but it also calls for mindfulness. A few simple habits can make all the difference.
Tandon shares, “For night journeys, I prefer to keep a light blanket and avoid deep sleep. I set alarms for my stop and try to stay in well-lit, occupied areas during layovers.” Similarly, Khurana believes that presence of mind is the strongest safeguard. “I make sure my bag is locked to the berth and essentials are close by,” she says. Most importantly, she trusts her instincts. "If something doesn’t feel right, I don’t hesitate to move to another compartment or alert the train staff. It’s all about staying aware and confident."
A kind offer of food can be tempting — but caution is kindness to yourself. Avoid eating or drinking anything from strangers, and carry your own water, snacks, or home-cooked meals for the journey.
“I always pack home-cooked food and avoid eating from strangers,” says Sushmita. “It’s one of the simplest ways to stay safe.”
Even in moments of calm, awareness is your greatest ally. Train journeys are meant to be relaxing, but staying quietly alert ensures that peace isn’t misplaced. Keep your phone fully charged, and always carry a power bank or portable charger, especially on long routes where charging ports may not work.
Using apps like RailYatri, IRCTC, or Google Maps to track your route can help you stay aware and informed about upcoming stations or delays. These tools also give you a sense of control — knowing where you are, when your stop is approaching, and how far you are from your destination.
Train journeys in India are full of stories — of freedom, connection, and discovery. Every woman deserves to experience them with the same ease and excitement as anyone else. Safety should never be a burden; it should be a shared responsibility. Until every system aligns with that truth, awareness, community, and courage can ensure that every journey remains not just nostalgic — but empowering.
1. What are the safest train options for women in India?
Trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat Express are considered among the safest due to better security, surveillance, and cleanliness.
2. Are there women-only coaches in Indian trains?
Yes. Several trains have ladies’ coaches reserved exclusively for women travellers, especially in suburban and long-distance trains.
3. What helpline numbers should women know while travelling by train?
Save 139 (Railway Helpline) and 1091 (Women’s Helpline) for emergencies.
4. How can women protect their belongings during train travel?
Use safety chains or berth hooks to secure luggage and keep valuables like phones and IDs in a crossbody pouch or waist bag.
5. What precautions should women take on night trains?
Choose well-lit coaches, stay near other passengers or families, avoid deep sleep, and set alarms for your destination stop.
