Dear colleagues,
Finally, Indian Railways has taken up a very positive step to provide accessible facilities at Railways Station. Though run with an NGO with the help of a CSR initiative, this project will set a precedent for other divisions to follow.
Such public private partnerships have been very successful in the past and have delivered the desired result. Best wishes for this initiative! Here is the coverage from The Hindu:
A waiting room for seniors, persons with disabilities
STAFF REPORTER BANGALORE, February 22, 2012
The Indian Railways has set up an exclusive waiting room, complete with a restroom and wash area, for senior citizens and persons with disabilities at the Bangalore City railway station’s Platform No. 1.
According to a press release, this area would be maintained by a non-governmental organisation that runs battery-operated vehicles on the platforms for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“The NGO would also ensure that senior citizens and persons with disabilities are picked up from the point of arrival and taken to this waiting area prior to boarding.
On the arrival of the train, the battery-operated vehicle would take them to their coach.
The facility is the first of its kind initiated by the Indian Railways,” the release said. The venture is supported by ELGI Equipments India Ltd., Coimbatore, as a part of its corporate social responsibility.
Thanking the company for its support, S. Mani, divisional railway manager, said similar facilities shall be provided at the second entry of the Bangalore City railway station as well as at the Yeshwanthpur station in the next financial year.