Kerala pulls a first, rolls out ramp services in trains for the differently-abled
Synopsis
The portable wheelchair and ramp facility started from March 1. To avail the facility a prior request has to be made and also there is an additional cost.
The Central Railway Station of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has become the first city in India to have wheelchair facility and a ramp for the differently-abled to climb into trains with ease. The service was introduced after an official order was made by the Southern Railways.
This move came after Mumbai resident Virali Modi shared her harrowing experience while boarding in trains on multiple occasions and she started a petition to make railways friendly for differently-abled people. This petition received the support from around 10,00,000 people and former Divisional Railway Manager, Sunil Bajpai, pointed it out to the Southern Railways.
Soon after, the Southern Railways took action and an official order was issued for procuring portable ramps as well as foldable wheelchairs to be used from March 1.
To avail the facility, a prior request has to be made and pay an additional cost of ₹65. Also, the Southern Railways ensured that a female staff member oversees the handling by porters while assisting the differently-abled passengers to get on the train.