Railways Provide Amenities for Differently Abled Passengers at Stations

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Railways 

Railways Provide Amenities for Differently Abled Passengers at Stations 

Provision/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for differently abled passengers is a continuous process. Short term facilities like 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 and ‘May I help you’ Booth, have been planned at all stations beginning with ‘A1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations. Long term facilities viz. provision of facility for inter-platform transfer and engraving on edges of platform, are planned after provision of short term facilities. Instructions also exist for provision of wheel chairs at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. ‘Battery Operated Vehicles for Disabled and Old Ages Passengers’ have also been provided free of cost at some of the major railway stations. 

Provision of escalators at ‘A1’, ‘A’ & ‘C’ category stations and stations of tourist importance is part of Desirable Amenities and are planned on need basis depending upon techno commercial feasibility & availability of funds. Provision of lifts has also been planned at important stations. 

Indian Railways have manufactured coaches which have a suitable designed compartment & toilet adapted to the needs of disabled/wheel chair borne passengers. It is endeavored to have at least one such coach in each Mail/Express train. 

Fully air conditioned Garib Rath trains have been provided with an Air conditioned disabled friendly compartment & toilets in the power cars. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.