The Ministry of Railways has announced a significant milestone in its commitment to accessibility, stating that 597 railway stations across the country are now equipped with either lifts or escalators. This initiative is aligned with the government’s ‘Sugamya Bharat Mission’ or ‘Accessible India Campaign,’ with a focus on facilitating easy movement for the elderly, sick, and differently-abled individuals.
The ministry emphasized that the continuous improvement of amenities, particularly for differently-abled persons, is an ongoing process at railway stations. The presence of lifts and escalators not only ensures smooth passenger movement between platforms but also enhances overall passenger safety.
According to the ministry, there are currently 1,287 escalators installed at 372 railway stations, with 1,144 installed between April 2014 and 2023, including 128 in 2023 alone. Additionally, out of the 1,292 lifts at 497 stations, 1,195 were installed from April 2014 to 2023, with an additional 227 lifts in 2023, the ministry said.
In December 2023, the central government introduced draft guidelines aimed at making train travel more accessible for differently-abled individuals. These guidelines propose the creation of a dedicated website and mobile app, improved accessibility for signboards and announcements at railway stations, and enhanced infrastructure, including ramps, handrails, and accessible entry and exit points.
The government sought public and stakeholder feedback on these guidelines to further refine and implement measures that enhance inclusivity in the rail travel experience.