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Lok Sabha
In written reply to a question raised by S/Shri E. Ponnuswamy and Badiga Ramakrishna in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of State for Railways Shri R. Velu informed the House that amenities to make stations more accessible to handicapped persons have been planned to be provided through an action plan in a phased manner to provide seven short term facilities namely (i) standard ramp for barrier free entry, (ii) earmarking of two parking lots for vehicles used by disabled persons, (iii) non-slippery walkway, (iv) signages, (v) toilets, (vi) water taps suitable for needs of handicapped persons and (vii) “May I Help You” booth for physically disabled persons. One disabled friendly toilet on ground floor has been provided at all major and important stations. In the first instance, identified facilities have been provided at all ‘A’ category stations by 31.3.2005. Now, Railway has targeted to provide these facilities at all ‘B’ category stations by March, 2007 subject to availability of funds.
Around 450 Guard-cum-luggage coaches with space for disabled passengers have been introduced on passenger trains over the last three years. The entry doors are wider than normal coaches to enable the passengers to enter the coach while seated on the wheel chair. The toilet has been designed with sufficient space for a wheel chair borne passenger and the passage in the corridor is also wider to allow for movement of wheel chair.
Zonal Railways have already been instructed regarding announcements for disabled and to provide standardised signages for passengers including disabled persons at appropriate locations with no obstruction in their visibility and placed as such to benefit maximum number of passengers. Efforts are on to provide these facilities at more and more stations.
BSC/HK/CK-111/05
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