(a) whether in most of the Railway Stations, the physically disabled and old passengers find
it difficult to reach for want of escalators and lifts; and
(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) whether in most of the Railway Stations, the physically disabled and old passengers find
it difficult to reach for want of escalators and lifts; and
(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS(SHRI R. VELU)
(a) & (b): The lift and escalators are at present provided at few stations such as Chepauk,
Tirumailai, Light House, Tiruvallikeni and Egmore in Southern Railway, Vijayawada in South
Central Railway, Pune in Central Railway, New Dlehi in Northern Railway and 35 number escalators
in Metro stations. However, in the first instance, all `A-1` and `A` category stations have
been provided with
(i) standard ramps for barrier free entry,
(ii) earmarking parking lots for vehicles used by disabled persons,
(iii) non-slippery walkway,
(iv) signages,
(v) toilets suitable for needs of handicapped persons,
(vi) water taps suitable for needs of handicapped persons,
(vii) `May I Help You` Booths and
(viii) Wheel Chairs.
At identified `B` category stations, the above facilities have been planned to be provided in
phased manner.In long term action plan, Railways have planned to provide facility of inter
platform transfer and engraving on edges of Platforms. Inter platform transfer facility can
be provided by way of connecting all the platforms at the stations through foot-over-bridge/
subway with ramps or by providing lift at each platform to connect foot-over-bridge/subway.
Railways have been authorised to use path ways provided at the end of the platforms (meant for
parcel traffic) for the disabled persons with escorts, to facilitate inter platform transfer.