The number of orthopedically handicapped /paraplegic persons travelling on concession tickets in reserved segment during 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.
Instructions already exist for provision of wheel chairs at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolie (on payment) as per present practice. Moreover, Zonal Railways have also been advised to provide free of cost ‘Battery Operated Vehicles for Disabled and 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 of remaining stations is undertaken by Railways in a phased manner.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Source - PIB
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