NGOs plan protest against Rlys over rights of disabled

Accusing Indian Railways of adopting an apathetic attitude towards the needs of the disabled people, at least 19 NGOs and several activists representing the sector from across the country will come together to hold a protest on Tuesday in the national Capital, seeking equal rights and accessibility to ensure them smooth rail travel.

In a letter to Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal, the activists have sought concessions to be extended to local and passenger trains, Garib Rath and Suvidha trains, concessions for bookings under Tatkal, uniform design for ramps, disabled-friendly toilets, markings to help visually challenged persons to stairs, ticketing counters, ensure Braille-embossed signages and licences to disabled persons to sell items inside trains or on platforms.Other demands include concession to all those classified as “persons with benchmark disability” as defined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 among others.

“In fact, if the railways could follow the accessibility standards set in their very own  ‘Manual for Standards and Specifications for Railway Stations’ brought out in 2009, it would make a huge difference,” said the letter . ong others.