November 22, 2024 20:45 (IST)
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House updated about special facilities for the disabled in Indian Railways
New Delhi, Mar 16 (IBNS) Minister of State for Railways, Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that the improvement/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for differently-abled passengers is a continuous process.
He provided details to the House regarding the short term facilities that have been planned at all stations, beginning with ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations, to provide better accessibility to passengers with disabilities:
• 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.
In addition, long term facilities, including provision of facility for inter-platform transfer and engraving on edges of platform have also been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations, said the minister.
He also said, 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, and the user is duly escorted by porters (on payment) as per present practice.
The minister said the Railways have incorporated nearly 3300 coaches that are suited for the needs of the differently-abled people and have wider entrance doors for wheechair access among other facilties.
3300 coaches that are designed Further, SLRD (Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) coaches and Power Cars for Garib Rath trains having provisions for compartment for disabled persons with air-conditioning are already in service. Presently, around 3300 such coaches are in service. These coaches have wider entrance doors for wheelchair access. Besides, following features are also provided in these coaches: -
For assistance to visually impaired travellers, Braille signages are provided on newly manufactured coaches. Retrofitting on existing coaches has also been taken up in a phased manner, informed the minister.
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