OREANDA-NEWS. Comprehensive instructions exist for providing better accessibility for physically challenged passengers at Railway stations. Short term facilities like standard ramp for barrier free entry, earmarking at least two parking lots, non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building, signages of appropriate visibility, at least one drinking water tap suitable for use by differently abled persons, at least one toilet on the ground floor and ‘May I help you’ Booth, have been planned at all ‘AI’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations (581 stations). Theses facilities have been provided at 562 AI, A and B category stations. Instructions also exist for provision of wheel chair at stations. This facility is provided free of cost, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. ‘Battery operated vehicles for disabled and old age passengers’ have also been provided at some of the major railway stations. These facilities are planned at other stations progressively. In addition, escalators & lifts been provided at 44 stations. Further, 354 escalators are planned for ongoing sanctioned works.

 Long term facilities viz. provision of facility for inter-platform transfer and Engraving on edges of platform are planned after provision of short term facilities.