Estimated 7th Pay Commission pay scales as on 01.01.2016-Gconnect.in

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 also been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:-

? Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer

? Engraving on edges of platform

Instructions also exist for provision of Wheel Chair at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. Moreover, Zonal Railways have been authorized to introduce ‘Battery Operated Vehicles’ at major Railway Stations for Disabled, Old Aged and sick passengers on first come first served basis.

Indian Railways have manufactured about 3450 SLRD/SRD coaches (SLRD-Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment, SRD- Second Class Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) which have a suitably designed compartment & toilet adapted to the needs of disabled/wheel chair borne passengers. In SLRD coaches, wider entrance door for wheel chair borne passengers, wider berths, wider compartments, space for provision of Wheel chair, larger lavatory and lavatory doors have been provided. Inside the toilets, additional grab rails on the side walls for support, wash basin and mirror at lower height have provided. It is endeavored to have at least one such coach in each Mail/Express train.

Further, the fully air conditioned Garib Rath trains have been provided with an Air conditioned disabled friendly compartment & toilets in the power cars. For assistance to visually impaired travelers, Braille signages are now being provided in newly manufactured coaches.

In order to facilitate easy movement of elderly and differently abled passengers, 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’. So far, 316 no. of escalators at 129 stations & 178 no. of lifts at 79 stations have been provided across Indian Railways. Provision of lifts and escalators at stations is a continuous process and is done as per need, priority of work and availability of funds.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 23.11.2016 (Wednesday).

Source:http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0