In what is being seen as one more step towards ensuring the comfort and safety of the passengers, the Indian Railways has introduced an e-wheelchair service for the movement of the elderly, differently-abled and needy at the railway station. This free-of-cost service allows passengers or attendants to book a wheelchair online via the IRCTC application or at the railway station to facilitate the movement of elderly, differently abled and needy people.
As the festive season approaches, people plan to travel to their hometowns, while others head to tourist destinations to enjoy the holidays. During this period, railway stations and trains witness heavy crowds, making it important for passengers – especially senior citizens, the sick and differently-abled individuals, to remain cautious. With this facility introduced, travel is certainly going to get comfortable and hassle free for the needy people.
The passengers can book e-wheelchairs online via IRCTC’s official website, Indian Express reported. Booking facilities are also available at major stations, including Ahmedabad, Agra Cantt., Vadodara, Varanasi, Bhusawal, Vijayawada, Kanpur Central, Mumbai CST, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Indore, Jhansi, Jaipur, Lucknow Jn., Lucknow, New Delhi, Nagpur, Pathankot Cantt., Pune, Bengaluru City, Secunderabad and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, among others.
As for the new facility, the e-wheelchair service by the Indian Railways aims to assist passengers who are elderly, sick, differently-abled or in need of assistance. The service will be available for booking on a first-come, first-served basis and will be provided free of cost. And important of all, in order to avail the service, passengers are required to submit to deposit of Rs 500 in cash and provide a valid government-approved identity card.
Officials maintain, this service is in place to ensure convenience, accessibility and travel safety for all passengers, especially during busy festive seasons.Under Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, the Indian Railways has introduced a wide range of facilities for senior citizens and differently abled. Escalators and lifts are being installed at railway stations to facilitate easier movement of people within the station premises and platforms.
Follow us
