Though the Ministry of Railways has taken a number of measures to make public transport facilities accessible to differently abled persons, the associations for differently abled persons say that there are flaws in implementation and most of the provisions did not reach them effectively.
According to members of the associations, it is ironical that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not allowed to book tickets online.
“While senior citizens and others who travel at concession rates can book tickets online, provisions for online reservation for PWDs is yet to be implemented,” says Surya Nagappan, president of Calibre, an organisation for differently abled.
Apart from the fact that the reservation counter at the Coimbatore Railway Junction is situated on the first floor, separate reservation facilities for PWDs remain inaccessible most often, the members say. However, the authorities say that facilities like separate reservation counters and lavatories are available for PWDs at the station.
The ramps meant for PWDs are being used for moving luggage as the signboard is hardly in a noticeable position.
“Mostly, we have to struggle to move in the crowd. The two cargo lifts at the station are not functioning now. The authorities did not heed our request to give access to the lifts when they were functioning,” says Mr. Nagappan.
A. Kaniyappan, president, Coimbatore District Differently Abled Welfare Association, points out that Chennai Central Station had separate counters for differently abled persons and free battery operated car service on platforms which helps PWDs to move independently.
The members also point out that the parking space for differently abled near the ramp at the entrance was removed after the renovation works done recently.
No action
According to members of Calibre, when they submitted a written complaint about the difficulties they faced at the station, the authorities promised that they would provide necessary assistance, but failed to take any action.
The members say that the authorities should take measures to make the facilities more accessible and provide assistance to PWDs.
M.N.G. Mani, secretary general, International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment and Managing Trustee of You and the Disabled Forum, says that the implementation of schemes and provisions available for differently abled can be ensured only by sensitising authorities and the public towards the problems faced by PWDs.
