Railways have granted various facilities to senior citizens and physically handicapped persons, which include concession in fares, earmarking of separate reservation quota, earmarking of reservation counters at major computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres, provision of wheel chair & Battery Operated Vehicles.

Minister of State for Railways K. H. Muniyappa said in Lok Sabha on Thursday that Railways have granted various facilities to senior citizens and physically handicapped persons, which include concession in fares, earmarking of separate reservation quota, earmarking of reservation counters at major computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres, provision of wheel chair & Battery Operated Vehicles etc.  Short term facilities viz. standard ramp with railing for barrier free entry, earmarking at least two parking lots for vehicles used by disabled persons, non-slippery walkway from parking lot to building, signage of appropriate visibility at least one drinking water tap suitable for use by a disabled person, at least one toilet on the ground floor, “May I help You” booth and long term facilities viz. inter-platform transfer, engraving on edges of platforms, are to be provided at all stations in a phased manner.

The toilets in the specially designed coaches with one compartment for persons with disabilities have been designed keeping in view the special needs of the persons with disabilities. For persons with disabilities in the coaches, wider entrance door for entry of wheel chair borne passengers, wider berths, wider compartments, space for provision of wheel chair, larger lavatory with wider lavatory doors provided. Inside the toilets, additional grab rails on the side walls for support, wash basin and mirror at lower height have been provided.