Ministry of Railways
Facilities By Indian Railways For Disabled Persons

07 MAR 2018

Provision/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and elderly passengers is a continuous process. In order to provide better accessibility to Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and elderly passengers, short term facilities as detailed below have been planned at all the stations:

• Standard ramp for barrier free entry.
• Earmarking at least two parking lots.
• Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building.
• Signages of appropriate visibility.
• At least one toilet (on the ground floor).
• At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).
• ‘May I help you’ Booth.
  In addition, long term facilities as detailed below have been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:
• Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer.
• Engraving on edges of platform.

Details of railway stations provided with facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) are as under:

Railways has decided to provide escalators at all the A1, A & C category stations (footfall 25000 or above). Additionally railways has also planned to provide elevators at 500 more stations. About 3800 disabled friendly Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design coaches are available in the fleet of Indian Railways (IR). These coaches have a suitably designed compartment & toilet adapted to the needs of the disabled/Divyangs. More disabled friendly coaches shall be added to the fleet of IR in the coming years. It is endeavoured to have at least one such ICR design coach in each Mail/Express train running with ICF coaches. Further, the fully air conditioned (WRRMDAC) Garib Rath trains have been provided with an Air conditioned disabled friendly compartment in the power cars.

For the assistance of visually impaired travellers, Integrated Braille signages, i.e. signages superimposed with Braille scripts are being provided in the newly manufactured coaches of Indian Railways (IR). In addition, retro-fitment of the same in existing coaches has also been taken up in a phased manner.

Railways has provided 467 escalators at 171 railway stations and 318 elevators at 134 railway stations for senior citizens/disabled/ Divyangs.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways instructs Zonal Railways to link the arrival & departure of trains with Data Loggers

A data logger (also data recorder) is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built-in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors

41 stations across India records Punctuality of trains through Data Loggers

Punctuality of almost 80% of mail/express trains is being monitored through this system

This system will improve punctuality of trains & provide real time train movement information to passengers.

06 MAR 2018

Ministry of Railways have eliminated the practice of manually recording punctuality performance at 41 major railway junctions across zones to ensure correct reporting of such data. The Railway Board has instructed zonal railways to link the arrival and departure of trains with data loggers from January 1 2018 without the fear of drop in punctuality and report authentic punctuality status.

A data logger (also data recorder) is an electronic device that records data over time by sensing status of relays. Railway zones have provided such data loggers this across 41 stations which include Howrah, Mumbai CST, Mughalsarai, Lucknow, Kanpur, Chennai Central, Ahmedabad and Bangalore.

It has been an endeavour of Indian Railways to run trains punctually and provide information to their customers more current, reliable and accurate, with minimal human intervention. Data Loggers were provided at Stations to monitor the status of functioning of signaling gears. For train control, Optical Fibre network has also been laid and linked to control centres of the Divisions.

It was decided to utilize these data loggers for capturing trains running information & update Control Office Application (COA) automatically at the central server. For this purpose, to start with, the data loggers of one terminal station and one more station at each zonal railway is linked with COA through optical fibre backbone for automatically picking up the train running status. The work at 17 terminal stations and 17 other stations has been implemented as a pilot project. The system has been working since 1st Jan.2018 and extended to total 41 stations. (List attached)

As on date, punctuality of almost 80% of mail/express trains is being monitored through this system. It has been planned to further expand the network covering all the terminal stations. With the implementation of this system, the information available to the passenger is reliable and more current.

List of Railway stations zones where data loggers have been provided :

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2015/TG-IV/14/P/Lockers

New Delhi, Dt.21.12.2017

The General Managers,
All Zonal Railways.
(Commercial Circular No. 83/2017)

Sub: Revision of Cloak Room and Locker charges at Railway Stations.

Please refer to Board’s letter no: 91/TG-I/10/P/Cloak Room Charges dated 23.01.2013 (CC No. 09/2013) wherein the last revision of Cloak Room and Locker charges were notified.

It has, now, been decided that DRMs shall have full powers for upward revision of the Cloak Room and Locker tariff at stations based on their local conditions after obtaining concurrence of their Associate Finance.

This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.

sd/-
(Harvinder Singh)
Jt. Director Traffic Comml.(G)
Railway Board

Authority: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/

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Thiruvananthapuram: As part of its programme to upgrade facilities for rail users, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said here today that 200 more stations and some additional trains would be providedwith Wi-Fi in 2017.

Dedicating six Wi-Fi facilities to rail users at Kannur, Ernakulam and Kollam at a function here, he said 100 stations had been fitted with Wi-Fi this year and the target was to double this number in 2017.

“More trains will also would be provided with Wi-Fi next year,” he said.

“The objective is to have Wi-Fi facility in all railway stations in small cities and towns,” he said.

The Minister said steps were also on to construct escalators in stations, he said.

Welcoming the Kerala government’s decision to sign a Joint Venture with Railways for development projects in the state, he said that as partners, the railways would be developed in the state.

“The Centre and state will have equity in the venture and funds for the projects will be raised through market borrowings with the consent of the state government,” he said.

The resources spent under the JV would be in addition to funds earmarked in the Railway budget, he added.

Stating that investment in railway infrastructure can bring development to its optimum level in Kerala, Prabhu said he had asked some banks to prepare a business plan for the state.

Prabhu admitted that there was a lack of railway investment in Kerala and saidthe NDA government’s move was to reverse that trend.

Referring to remittances to the state from Non-Resident Keralites, he said even they could invest in railway projects.

“They can develop a railway station”, he said, adding that the key objective was to join hands for development.

The Railways was also looking out for resources other than its normal revenue.

They were also looking into the possibility of coverting its hospitals as medical college hospitals, he said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and G Sudhakaran, PWD Minister and in charge of Railways were among those present.

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With a view to provide support to old and differently abled passengers requiring assistance at the stations, Ministry of Railways has decided to introduce Yatri Mitras Sewa for enabling passengers to book wheelchair services cum porter services. The salient features of the Yatri Mitra Seva are as under:

1. Yatri Mitra
A Yatri Mitra can either be a Sahayak or any other person provided by IRCTC or the service provider appointed by IRCTC for this purpose.

2. Services to be provided by Yatri Mitra
Yatri Mitra shall provide Wheel chair cum porter services to differently abled, ailing and old persons.

3. Provision of Yatri Mitra Sewa

• The responsibility of providing Yatri Mitra Sewa has been entrusted with IRCTC. IRCTC may provide this service ‘Free of cost’ through some NGO, charitable trust, PSUs etc under CSR. However, if this service can’t be provided ‘Free of Cost’ due to lack of response from NGOs, Charitable trust, PSUs etc, IRCTC may arrange this service on payment basis through a service provider or on its own.
• IRCTC may also arrange these services through existing Battery Operated Car (BOC) Operator, wherever, an agency is providing the service.

4. Booking of Yatri Mitra
The booking of Yatri Mitra can be done as under:

• The Yatri Mitra service can be booked on IRCTC e-ticketing website and 139 (IVRS and SMS) or through a mobile.
• A Mobile Application developed by CRIS would also be made available for booking of Yatri Mitra as and when it is developed and released by CRIS.
• A dedicated Mobile number for each station, where this service is available, shall be made available by the Service provider/IRCTC which would be displayed on IRCTC e-ticketing website and zonal websites of Indian Railways to facilitate booking of Yatri Mitra.
• Based on the station at which the facility is booked by the passenger, the booking details (Train Name and Number, date and time of arrival/departure, PNR number, Name of the passenger, Coach and berth number) will be sent by SMS both to the passenger and service provider/IRCTC along with the amount chargeable, if applicable, for the service.
• The mobile number of the Yatri Mitra shall also be sent to the passenger through SMS before the expected time of the arrival of the passenger so that the passenger can contact the Yatri Mitra.
• The Mobile Application developed by CRIS would have the facility for the service provider to update the status after providing the service. The passenger would also have the option to give feedback regarding compliance for his booking.

5. Operation of Yatri Mitra Seva
The Yatri Mitra Sewa shall be operated on following lines for arriving, transferring and departing passengers:

• Arriving/Transferring Passengers
  o The IRCTC/service provider on receipt of SMS will ensure that the Yatri Mitra is arranged/positioned at the platform near the coach of the arriving passenger.

  o The mobile number of the Yatri Mitra shall also be sent to the passenger through SMS in advance.

  o On arrival of the train, the Yatri Mitra shall approach the passenger near his coach, greet him, show his mobile message which will be similar as sent to the passenger himself. On instructions of passenger, he will pick up his/her luggage and help him/her in sitting in wheelchair and take him to desired exit gate or any other platform in case of transfer passenger.

  o In case of late running of train, the service provider shall contact the passenger on the mobile number given by the passenger at the time of booking and arrange the service as per expected arrival of the train at the station.

• Departing Passengers
  o The IRCTC/service provider on receipt of SMS will ensure that the Yatri Mitra is arranged/positioned at the nominated entrance of the station building from where the passenger will be boarding the train.

  o Yatri Mitra shall contact the passenger on the mobile number given by the passenger at the time of booking and confirm the expected time of arrival of the passenger and entrance gate of station.

  o On arrival of the passenger at entrance gate of station, the Yatri Mitra shall approach the passenger, greet him, and show his mobile message which will be similar as sent to the passenger himself. On instructions of passenger, he will pick up his luggage and help him/her in sitting in wheelchair and take him to the platform where train has to arrive.

6. Storage/Parking of wheelchairs
The Railway shall provide space for storage/parking of wheel chairs as per requirement of number of wheelchairs and charging point if wheelchairs are battery operated. In case service is provided Free of cost, electricity for charging battery of wheelchairs shall be provided free. In case of paid service, the cost of electricity on consumption basis and connection shall be charged to the service provider as per extant practice.

7. Service Charges
The service charges, if applicable, shall be kept reasonable and affordable keeping in mind the objective of providing services to the needy.The service charges should be collected by the Service provider directly from the passenger.

8. IRCTC shall provide adequate number of wheelchairs at the station as per the requirement to be decided in consultation with SrDCM/DCM of concerned division. Preference should be given to battery operated wheelchairs.

9. The Yatri Mitra appointed by service provider shall be issued an ID card and permit to provide these services at the station by SrDCM/DCM of the concerned Division.

10. The service will be available at major stations.

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Instructions exist for provision of Wheel Chair at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice.

Almost all the Mail/Express trains (except special type of trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Janshatabdi, AC Special, Duronto) including Garib Rath trains have been provided with at least one disabled friendly coach. SLRD (Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) coaches and Power Cars for Garib Rath trains having provisions for PWD (Persons with Disability) Compartment with air-conditioning are already in service. These coaches have wider entrance doors for wheelchair access. Besides, following features are also provided:

i) Wider entrance doors of 920 mm width against 782 mm in conventional body side doors.

ii) Handrails on side walls for providing assistance to the disabled.

iii) Wider aisle of 1050 mm instead of usual 570 mm (the seats alongside the sidewall have been removed).

iv) Wider cushioned Berths – 707 mm instead of 607 mm in conventional coaches.

v) To accommodate wheel chairs, space between berths increased to 1201 mm against usual 542 mm.

vi) Larger Lavatory: 1947 mm square instead of 1540 mm x1189 mm.

vii) Wider lavatory door provided: 840 mm instead of usual 520 mm.

viii) Additional grab rails provided in the lavatory.

ix) Lower height of wash basin and mirror in the toilet.

Zonal Railways have been authorised to introduce ‘Battery Operated Vehicles’ at major Railway Stations for Disabled, Old Aged and sick Passengers on first come first served basis through sponsorship from individuals, NGOs, trusts, Charitable institutions, Corporates and PSUs/Corporate Houses under their Corporate Social Responsibility with no charge to passenger or to the Railway.

Provision/augmentation of amenities at stations, including those for differently abled passengers is a continuous process. In order to provide better accessibility to differently abled passengers, short term facilities as detailed below have been planned at all stations:

· Standard ramp for barrier free entry.

· Earmarking at least two parking lots.

· Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building.

· Signages of appropriate visibility.

· At least one toilet (on the ground floor).

· At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by differently-abled persons.

· ‘May I help you’ Booth.

In addition, long term facilities as detailed below have been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:

· Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer.

· Engraving on edges of platform.

Instructions have been issued to zonal railways for providing above facilities at all ‘A-1’ category stations by July 2016 and to provide all identified short term facilities at 50% of stations by March 2018.

This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 29.04.2016 (Friday).

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The Catering Policy 2010, presently in force on the Railways, provides for 25% reservation in allotment of minor static catering units at A, B & C categories of stations and 49.5% reservation in allotment of minor static catering units at D, E & F categories of stations, with a view to protect interests of socially backward and economically weaker sections of the people. Out of the total 25% reservation at A, B and C category stations, a quota of 6% for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 4% for Scheduled Tribes (STs) has been reserved for allotment of minor catering units. Similarly, out of the total reservation of 49.5% at D, E & F category of stations, a quota of 12% and 8% for SCs and STs respectively, has been reserved. Allotment of stalls for SCs/STs is done by zonal railways by calling application through press notification. .

1572 shops/stalls have been earmarked for allotment to SCs and STs out of which 532 shops/stalls have already been awarded to SCs and STs as per extant provisions of the Catering Policy. Allotment of stalls for SCs/STs and clearance of backlog thereof is an ongoing process

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 16.03.2016 (Wednesday).

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In order to facilitate easy movement of elderly and differently abled passengers, as per the existing guidelines, escalators are being provided at ‘A1’, ‘A’, ‘C’ category stations and stations of tourist importance based on techno commercial feasibility and availability of funds. So far, 244 no. of escalators at 96 stations have been provided. In addition, 400 no. of escalators at 171 stations have been sanctioned.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Press Information Bureau,
Government of India
Ministry of Railways

March 23, 2015

Revision of Platform Ticket Rates at Railway Stations

The Ministry of Railways has decided to upwardly revise the rate of platform ticket to Rs.10/- per ticket from Rs.5/- per ticket. The revised rate of platform ticket will be charged on platform ticket to be issued from 01.04.2015. Directions have been sent to All Zonal Railways to print the revised tickets on top priority and ensure supply to all stations well in time. However, till such time the tickets are printed, the existing stock of tickets may be used with the rate corrected with a stamp. Wherever platform tickets are issued through SPTM & UTS or other machines, their software may to be modified to collect the revised rate.

Further, the Ministry of Railways has delegated the power to Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) to increase the rate of platform tickets beyond Rs.10/- to regulate rush at platforms during specific requirements like mela, rally etc.

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Ministry of Railways

16-March, 2015

At present, the Wi-Fi facility has been provided at 7 Railway Stations namely Bengaluru, New Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Agra Cantt., Varanasi and Secunderabad. The internet access is provided free to the users for first 30 minutes. For usage beyond that, it is priced at Rs.25 for 30 minutes and Rs.35 for 1 Hour and is valid through 24 hours.

Such facility is proposed to be provided to all ‘A1’ & ‘A’ category stations (Total 75+332 = 407 stations).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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