Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers at Railway Stations

Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers at Railway Stations

There are more than 8000 railway stations on Indian Railways with approximately 14,700 platforms. Based on the passenger earnings, these stations are categorized as ‘A-1’, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ category. Facilities for physically handicapped passengers at stations are provided in terms of short term and long term facilities. Short term facilities are available at most of the ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations which deal with approximately 75 per cent of passenger traffic. Items under short term facilities are as under:-

I. Provision of standard ramp with railing for barrier free entry.
II. Earmarking at least one parking lot for two vehicles used by physically challenged persons.
III. Provision of a non-slippery walkway from parking lot to building.
IV. Provision of signages of appropriate visibility.
V. Provision of at least one drinking water tap suitable for use by a disabled person.
VI. Provision of at least one toilet on the ground floor.
VII. ‘May I help You’ Booth.

Long Term Facilities comprise arrangements for inter platform transfer and engraving on edges of platform. Arrangements for inter platform transfer is available at most of the ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations. These facilities are planned to be provided progressively at remaining stations after provision of short term facilities.

It is planned to provide 100 escalators at 50 important railway stations and other places of religious, historical and tourists importance.

Indian Railways are manufacturing passenger coaches with special designed compartment and European toilet pans adapted to the need of physically challenged passengers/senior citizens. Public conveniences in the form of toilets for physically challenged passengers/senior citizens are available at most of the ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Railways provide more facilities for Physically Handicapped Persons

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.
PIB

Welfare Schemes for Physically Challenged Persons

Welfare Schemes for Physically Challenged Persons

The following schemes are being implemented by the Government for the welfare of the persons with disabilities:-

(i) Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):- Under the scheme, funds for the welfare of persons with disabilities are provided to the non-governmental organizations for projects like special schools for disabled, Vocational Training Centres, Half Way Homes, Community Based Rehabilitation Centres, Early Intervention Centres for Disabled and Rehabilitation of Leprosy Cured Persons etc.

(ii) Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP):- Under the scheme, aids/appliances are distributed to the needy persons with disabilities which includes mentally challenged children also.

(iii) National Institutions:- The Ministry supports seven autonomous National Institutes which provide rehabilitation services and undertake manpower development with the overall objective of providing rehabilitation services for different types of disabilities.

(iv) The National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation provides concessional credit to persons with disabilities for setting up income generating activities for self employment.

(v) Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (SIPDA):- Under this Scheme, assistance is provided for setting up of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, Regional Rehabilitation Centres, creating barrier free environment in public buildings, awareness generation etc.

(vi) Scheme of Incentives to Employees in the Private Sector for providing employment to persons with disabilities:- Under this Scheme, launched in April, 2008, the Government of India provides the employers’ contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for three years, for persons with disabilities employed in the private sector on or after 1.4.2008, with a monthly salary upto Rs.25,000/-.

Since all the schemes are Central Sector schemes, the funds are not allocated state-wise. The Budget allocation under these schemes for the last three years and current year is given below:

Scheme/Programme	Budget Allocation (In crores)
ADIP	328
DDRS	336
Employment of Physically challenged	38
NHFDC	75
National Institutes	207
SIPDA	158

This information was given by Shri D. Napoleon, the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

PIB

Scheme of Incentive to The Private Sector For Employment of Physically Challenged Persons

Scheme of Incentive to The Private Sector For Employment of Physically Challenged Persons

A Scheme of Incentive to the Private Sector for Employment of Physically Challenged Persons has been launched, w.e.f. 01.04.2008. Under this Scheme, the Government of India provides the employer’s contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for 3 years, for employees with disabilities employed in the private sector on or after 01.04.2008, with a monthly salary upto 25,000.

Similarly 20 Vocational Rehabilitation Centres (VRCs) are functioning in the Country with a view to provide economic rehabilitation assistance to persons with disabilities. In order to enhance the employability of persons with disabilities, Skill Development Initiative Scheme (SDIS) based on Modular Employable Skill has been introduced in VRCs from the financial year 2010-11.

This information was given by Shri. D. Napoleon, the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.