Facilities for Physically Handicapped Persons in Railways

 Facilities for Physically Handicapped Persons



The number of orthopedically handicapped/paraplegic persons traveling on concession tickets in reserved segment during the year 2009-10 is approximately 9.84 lakh. Indian Railways have been manufacturing passenger coaches with specially designed compartments and toilets for wheel chair borne passengers. Facilities for ramp etc. for ingress/egress are not available in the current designs of coaches.



Facilities already exist for provision of wheel chairs at stations. This service is provided free of cost, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. Zonal Railways are also attempting to provide ‘Battery Operated Vehicles for Disabled ad Old Age Passengers’ at railway stations through commercial publicity route.



All major railway stations have been provided with ramps at exit/entry. Ramps and pathways have also been provided at the end of the platforms at all major railway stations to facilitate inter-platform transfer for physically challenged passengers. Provision of ramps at remaining stations is undertaken by Railways in a phased manner.



This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K.H. Muniyappa in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

source;PIB