Title

Accessibility of Indian Railways: a user's perspective

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2007

Subject Area

Infrastructure - Facilities, Mobility - Accessibility (Disability), Mobility - Wheelchair, Modes of Transport - Train

Abstract

Indian Railways (IR), one of the largest railway systems in the world, plays a key role in meeting the transport needs of the country. It carries more than a million tonne of freight traffic and about 14 million passengers covering 6,856 stations daily. However, existing Railway transportation system i.e. rolling stock, platforms and operations are either full of obstacles or are impossible to use by persons with disabilities (PwDs) and reduced mobility. Samarthya which believes in the policy of co-operation and co-ordination between the user groups and stake holders conducted a “Research Study on Accessibility of Indian Railways” in 2005 to evaluate the existing IR infrastructure and facilities. The study elicited user groups’ perspective by adopting two-pronged approach - Questionnaire and Accessibility Audits of New Delhi Railway station and Reservation Centre. It was found that a ‘Compartment for Disabled’ is a positive initiative, with sufficient space in Guard-cum-Luggage carriages. So far, 1159 such unreserved carriages cater to the needs of PwDs, but are under utilized. The Research Study findings supplemented with photographs, cost effective improvement in the existing toilet, tried and tested designs for bridging the gap (i.e. access ramp/platform lift/partially raised platform and both short and perspective planning for the future), were forwarded to Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), sole Research & Design wing of IR and other concerned departments. IR responded positively to the report, which for the first time carried user’s perspective and initiated consultation with the users. The process was further strengthened at the “First National Conference on Accessible Transportation” organized by Samarthya in March 2006. Following the Conference, Ministry of Railways announced involving Samarthya in the making of wheelchair-friendly air conditioned (AC) carriages besides the existing Second Class non AC carriages; upgrading existing station facilities; separation of ‘Compartment for Disabled’ from Guard-cum-Luggage carriages and 18 railway stations as models by the year 2012. Samarthya and Carriages Department, RDSO exchanged drawing layouts and held meetings on anthropometrics and ergonomics: design requirements of seat heights, diameter of handrails and grab bars, Braille information, securement area for wheel chairs, emergency evacuation, size of the accessible toilet including positioning of commode seat and other accessories. RDSO made a plan based on the above and forwarded the same to Samarthya for review. Media projected positively IR endeavor in involving the users. IR and Samarthya mutually agreed to conduct a mock-up of the accessible toilet size, layout and fittings, along with the coach makers i.e. Integral Coach Factory and Railway Coach Factory. The minimum design framework (toilet size- 1750 mm by 1980 mm) and standards of fittings was finalized and frozen on 14 December 2006. The mechanisms to bridge the horizontal and the vertical gap between the platform and the coach are also being dealt with separately.