HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 18: As part of the ‘Sugamya Bharat Mission’ or Accessible India Campaign by the Government of India, Indian Railways is dedicated to enhancing accessibility for divyangjans (people with disabilities) at railway stations. The implementation of lifts, escalators, and Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) at various stations across the Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway) is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
By December 2023, a total of 597 railway stations nationwide were equipped with either escalators or lifts. The numbers include 1287 escalators at 372 stations and 1292 lifts at 497 stations, contributing to the overall effort of making railway stations more accessible.
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In line with its commitment to improving passenger amenities and creating commuter-friendly stations, the NF Railway has already installed 43 lifts, 35 escalators, and constructed 137 Foot Over Bridges at major stations with high footfalls. This initiative, operational until December 2023, aims to facilitate easy movement for passengers, especially the elderly, sick, and divyangjans.
Under the jurisdiction of NF Railway, various states have seen the installation of lifts and escalators, with 23 lifts in Assam, 9 in West Bengal, and 11 in Bihar. Additionally, escalators include 21 in Assam, 6 each in West Bengal and Bihar, and 2 in Tripura. Plans are underway to install 6 lifts and 2 escalators in various stations in the last quarter of the current financial year.
To accommodate the growing passenger volumes, NF Railway is committed to constructing more lifts, escalators, and Foot Over Bridges at major stations. These facilities not only ensure safe and convenient entry and exit for passengers but also enhance the overall travel experience, making railway services more user-friendly.
