Improvement/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for differently abled passengers is a continuous process. In order to provide better accessibility to passengers with disabilities, short term facilities as detailed below have been planned at all stations, beginning with ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:

• 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 toilet (on the ground floor).
• At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by differently-abled persons.
• May I help you’ Booth.

In addition, long term facilities, as detailed below, have been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:

• Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer.
• Engraving on edges of platform.

Further, as per the existing guidelines, ‘A-1’ category stations qualify for provision of escalators/elevators while ‘A’ category, ‘C’ category and stations of tourist importance qualify for provision of escalators under desirable amenities. 277 escalators and 112 lifts have been provided at various stations till November, 2015.

Instructions also exist for provision of Wheel Chairs at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by porters (on payment) as per present practice. Further, SLRD (Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) coaches and Power Cars for Garib Rath trains having provisions for compartment for disabled persons with air-conditioning are already in service. Presently, around 3300 such coaches are in service. These coaches have wider entrance doors for wheelchair access. Besides, following features are also provided in these coaches: –

(i) Wider entrance doors of 920mm width against 782mm in conventional body side doors.
(ii) Handrails on side walls for providing assistance to the disabled.
(iii) Wider aisle of 1050mm instead of usual 570mm (the seats alongside the sidewall have been removed).
(iv) Wider cushioned Berths – 707mm instead of 607mm in conventional coaches.
(v) To accommodate wheel chairs, space between berths increased to 1201mm against usual 542mm.
(vi) Larger Lavatory: 1947mm X 1947mm instead of 1540mm X 1189mm.
(vii) Wider lavatory door provided: 840mm instead of usual 520mm.
(viii) Additional grab rails provided in the lavatory.
(ix) Lower height of wash basin and mirror in the toilet.

For assistance to visually impaired travellers, Braille signages are provided on newly manufactured coaches. Retrofitment on existing coaches has also been taken up in a phased manner.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 16.03.2016 (Wednesday).