Indian Railway is going to provide better accessibility to differently abled and patient passengers
Buddhadarshan News, New Delhi
Indian Railway is going to provide better accessibility to differently abled and patient passengers. Improvement/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for differently abled and patient passengers is a continuous process. In order to provide short term facilities as detailed below have been planned at all stations, beginning with ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:
- Standard ramp for barrier free entry.
- Earmarking at least two parking lots.
- Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building.
- Signages of appropriate visibility.
- At least one toilet (on the ground floor).
- At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by differently-abled persons.
- ‘May I help you’ Booth
Minister of state for railway Manoj Sinha told this information in RajyaSabha.
For long term facilities have been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:
- Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer.
- Engraving on edges of platform.
Further, as per the existing guidelines, ‘A-1’ category stations qualify for provision of escalators/elevators while ‘A’ category, ‘C’ category and stations of tourist importance qualify for provision of escalators under desirable amenities. 277 escalators and 112 lifts have been provided at various stations till November, 2015.
Instructions also exist for provision of Wheel Chairs at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by porters (on payment) as per present practice. Moreover, Zonal Railways have been authorized to introduce ‘Battery Operated Vehicles’ at major railway stations for disabled, old aged and sick passengers on first come first served basis through sponsorship from individuals, NGOs, trusts, charitable institutions, corporates and PSUs/corporate houses under their Corporate Social Responsibility with no charge to passenger or to the Railway.
