Re: [AI] railway budget full details
I would appreciate if at all stations slopes are built. This is not only beneficial for disabled but for all as nowadays everybody has wheeled suitcases and it is a huge task to navigate from platform to platform. सादर / With thanks & Regards राजेश आसुदानी Rajesh Asudani सहायक महाप्रबन्धक AGM बाजार आसूचना ईकाई MIU भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक Reserve Bank of India नागपुर Nagpur 0712 2806846 President VIBEWA Co-Moderator VIB-India A-pilll = Action coupled with Positivity, Interest, Love, Logic and laughter. -Original Message- From: AccessIndia [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of gopala krishna Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2016 5:31 PM To: accessindia Subject: [AI] railway budget full details hon'ble friend's, i am pasting below 2016.2017railway budget full information. it was taken from http://indiarailinfo.com/news?=1=1390223673049 please read, and understand regarding budget. 1.No changes in passenger fares and freight rates in Railway Budget for 2016-17. 2. World’s first Bio-vacuum toilet developed by Indian Railways is being used in Dibrugarh Rajdhani express 3. Children’s menu, baby foods, baby boards to be made available for travelling mothers. 4. IRTC will begin to manage catering in a phased manner, local cuisine of choice will be made available. READ: LIVE Railway Budget 2016: No fare hike announced by Suresh Prabhu 5. Three direct services – fully air-conditioned Humsafar to travel at 130-km per hour. 6. North-South, East-West dedicated freight corridor proposed in Railway Budget for 2016-17. 7. Overnight double-decker train Uday Express to be introduced on busiest routes, carrying capacity to be 40 per cent more. READ: Suresh Prabhu confirms free WiFi in 100 stations by end of this year 8. 400 stations to be re-developed through PPP. 9. 400 railway stations to be equipped with wifi, 100 this year. 10. Porters to not be called “coolies” but be called “sahayaks” now; will be trained in soft skills. Watch video (App users click here) 11. We intend to take up on priority provision of passenger amenities and beautification of stations at pilgrimage centres. READ: Rail Budget might revamp coolie system with new name, trolleys and ads 12. We will introduce separate toilets for “divyaang” people. 13. Propose to invite FM radio stations to provide train borne entertainment via PA systems. 14. Railways to increase lower berth quota for senior citizens by 50 per cent. 15. Children menu to be introduced on pilot basis on trains. 16. 33 pc reservation to women in reserved quota in Railways will be introduced. 17. Cleaning of coach on demand to be introduced; Disabled enabled toilet in 11 Class-A stations this year. 18. Ajmer, Amritsar, Gaya, Mathura, Nanded, Nashik, Puri, Tirupati, Varanasi, Nagapattinam and other pilgrim stations to be beautified. 19. Two elevated suburban railway corridors – Churchgate-Virar and CST-Panvel to be constructed in Mumbai; Ring railway covering 21 stations to be revived with state participation. 20. Station development and re-development, monetisation of land to raise rail revenue from non-freight sources. 21. India’s first railway auto hub in Chennai to be inaugurated soon. 22. Logistics and warehouse parks to be created on PPP mode. 23. We intend to give special focus on exploring advertisement potential. 24. Railways to monetise land on tracks by leasing out for horticulture and tea plantation. 25. Overnight double-decker trains to be introduced on busiest rail routes. 26. Holding company to be explored for monetising assets of Railway companies. 27. Railway Board to be re-organised. 28. E-booking of tickets on concessional passes for journalists introduced. 29. Bar-coded tickets to be introduced at select stations on pilot basis. 30. Railway safety record is better this year than previous years but much more needs to be done. 31. Indian Railways will generate employment for 9 crore man days in 2017-18 and 14 crore in 2018-19 17 states agree to form JVs with Indian Railways for construction of rail-over-bridges. 32. Direct procurement of diesel to help save Rs 1,500 crore in 2016-17. 33. Time-table freight container train to be run on pilot basis. 34. Railways to borrow Rs 18,580 crore in 2016-17 fiscal. 35. The minister said 17000 bio toilets and additional toilets at 475 stations will be provided before the close of this year. 31 Timeline Updates 2 Travel Tips 48 PNR Posts 9 Trip Updates 11 ♥♥ 3 News Posts 19 Pics 197 Blog Posts News Super Search▼ ♦ Go Thu Feb 25, 2016 17:28:48 ISTHomeTrains ΣChains Atlas PNR Forum Gallery News FAQTrips Members Member #145227 Feedback Post News Modify Search Trains in the NewsStations in the NewsAll LanguagesEnglishBengaliHindiKannadaMalayalamPunjabiTamilTelugu **new Page#199380 news entries next>> Today (4:06
[AI] railway budget full details
hon'ble friend's, i am pasting below 2016.2017railway budget full information. it was taken from http://indiarailinfo.com/news?=1=1390223673049 please read, and understand regarding budget. 1.No changes in passenger fares and freight rates in Railway Budget for 2016-17. 2. World’s first Bio-vacuum toilet developed by Indian Railways is being used in Dibrugarh Rajdhani express 3. Children’s menu, baby foods, baby boards to be made available for travelling mothers. 4. IRTC will begin to manage catering in a phased manner, local cuisine of choice will be made available. READ: LIVE Railway Budget 2016: No fare hike announced by Suresh Prabhu 5. Three direct services – fully air-conditioned Humsafar to travel at 130-km per hour. 6. North-South, East-West dedicated freight corridor proposed in Railway Budget for 2016-17. 7. Overnight double-decker train Uday Express to be introduced on busiest routes, carrying capacity to be 40 per cent more. READ: Suresh Prabhu confirms free WiFi in 100 stations by end of this year 8. 400 stations to be re-developed through PPP. 9. 400 railway stations to be equipped with wifi, 100 this year. 10. Porters to not be called “coolies” but be called “sahayaks” now; will be trained in soft skills. Watch video (App users click here) 11. We intend to take up on priority provision of passenger amenities and beautification of stations at pilgrimage centres. READ: Rail Budget might revamp coolie system with new name, trolleys and ads 12. We will introduce separate toilets for “divyaang” people. 13. Propose to invite FM radio stations to provide train borne entertainment via PA systems. 14. Railways to increase lower berth quota for senior citizens by 50 per cent. 15. Children menu to be introduced on pilot basis on trains. 16. 33 pc reservation to women in reserved quota in Railways will be introduced. 17. Cleaning of coach on demand to be introduced; Disabled enabled toilet in 11 Class-A stations this year. 18. Ajmer, Amritsar, Gaya, Mathura, Nanded, Nashik, Puri, Tirupati, Varanasi, Nagapattinam and other pilgrim stations to be beautified. 19. Two elevated suburban railway corridors – Churchgate-Virar and CST-Panvel to be constructed in Mumbai; Ring railway covering 21 stations to be revived with state participation. 20. Station development and re-development, monetisation of land to raise rail revenue from non-freight sources. 21. India’s first railway auto hub in Chennai to be inaugurated soon. 22. Logistics and warehouse parks to be created on PPP mode. 23. We intend to give special focus on exploring advertisement potential. 24. Railways to monetise land on tracks by leasing out for horticulture and tea plantation. 25. Overnight double-decker trains to be introduced on busiest rail routes. 26. Holding company to be explored for monetising assets of Railway companies. 27. Railway Board to be re-organised. 28. E-booking of tickets on concessional passes for journalists introduced. 29. Bar-coded tickets to be introduced at select stations on pilot basis. 30. Railway safety record is better this year than previous years but much more needs to be done. 31. Indian Railways will generate employment for 9 crore man days in 2017-18 and 14 crore in 2018-19 17 states agree to form JVs with Indian Railways for construction of rail-over-bridges. 32. Direct procurement of diesel to help save Rs 1,500 crore in 2016-17. 33. Time-table freight container train to be run on pilot basis. 34. Railways to borrow Rs 18,580 crore in 2016-17 fiscal. 35. The minister said 17000 bio toilets and additional toilets at 475 stations will be provided before the close of this year. 31 Timeline Updates 2 Travel Tips 48 PNR Posts 9 Trip Updates 11 ♥♥ 3 News Posts 19 Pics 197 Blog Posts News Super Search▼ ♦ Go Thu Feb 25, 2016 17:28:48 ISTHomeTrains ΣChains Atlas PNR Forum Gallery News FAQTrips Members Member #145227 Feedback Post News Modify Search Trains in the NewsStations in the NewsAll LanguagesEnglishBengaliHindiKannadaMalayalamPunjabiTamilTelugu **new Page#199380 news entries next>> Today (4:06PM) Wi-Fi Services at 100 Stations to be Commissioned this Year and at 400 more Stations in the next 2 Years. (www.business-standard.com) back to top Rail Budget News Entry# 258858 Reply Tags Past Edits Posted by: chayanghosh 31 news posts chat The Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu while presenting Railway Budget 2016-17 in Parliament today said that the process has begun to introduce Wi-Fi services at stations especially for youth and business travellers. He proposed to commission Wi-Fi services at 100 stations this year and at 400 more stations in the next 2 years. He said that Indian Railways is partnering with Google in this endeavour. This year, an application of Track Management System
[AI] railway budget disappointing
National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled *36, Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane, New Delhi 110 001; tel. 9868768543* February 26, 2015 *Press Statement* The Executive Committee of the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) has issued the following statement: The Budget presented by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today is very disappointing from the perspective of persons with disabilities. Regrettably, none of the major concerns of persons with disabilities have been addressed. The announcements made do not reflect the lofty ideals of making the railways “accessible” and a “vision for the future” that the railway minister talked about. Except for conceding one of the long pending demands of having Braille signage on coaches, none of the other major issues raised by disabled rights organisations have been accepted. The rail minister ought to know that persons with visual impairments can reach the coaches independently only if there are tactile markings to guide them to the entry, bridges, stairs and platforms as also provision of Braille signage on the entry/exit points and on the railing of the foot overbridge. While earlier, the elderly or disabled were provided a wheelchair on demand at the station, now one would have to book it through the IRCTC. This notional assistance or facility, which was free till now, will now entail a fee. The railway minister has announced that disabled persons desirous of availing concessions will have to get themselves registered with the railways. This is in total opposition to what the disability sector has been demanding. Like in the case of senor citizens (who have to produce proof of age during the journey only) the proof of disability i.e. certificates issued by government authorities should be demanded only during the course of the journey. By turning down this proposal and instead asking the disabled to get registered, the disabled are being singled out for discriminatory treatment. The announcement of more allocations for construction of lifts and escalators is welcome. But such announcements have been made in earlier budgets too, but stations continue to be inaccessible for persons with disabilities. For persons with disabilities and the elderly as opposed to escalators, lifts are preferable. The railway minister has also announced that doors of coaches would be widened. While this would indeed help wheelchairs to be loaded into the compartments, it would in no way make travel comfortable for persons using them. This would be meaningful only if issues like the reduction of the gap (height) between the platform and the compartment, maneuvering space inside the compartments and accessible toilets are also addressed. Last but not least there is no talk of universal design or the provision of sign language interpreters at stations. The minister has announced more involvement of the private sector in the railways. Already employment avenues for the disabled are shrinking in this sector. With the provision of reservations not being applicable to the private sector, this would mean much lesser jobs for the disabled in this sector. *(Jansi Rani)(Kanti Ganguly)* *President General Secretary* *(Muralidharan)* *Secretary* Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
Re: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons withdisabilities
They only and only understand the language of courts. it has become quite evident that such people like railway minister work only for those, from where they expect the votes. not only this department, there are many many of such kind. the time has come when we'll have to initiate something very very serious and perhaps demanding the seates in parliament!! The botem line is that you can't change nothing without entering into the system. Thank you!! On 2/25/10, surya narayana surya.ga...@gmail.com wrote: Hello folks, Can't we take the issue to the parliament? If possible, we can take the special needs of disabled with the members of parliament. The organizations working for the disabled should have a conversation with some of the oppositions members. they will have the option to rage the issue when debate takes over. forwarding a memorundam doesn't solve the problem. Why don't we send the representation to the some of intellectuals? I hope some of us will take the responsibility right now. Yours, Surya. On 2/25/10, Subramani L lsubram...@deccanherald.co.in wrote: All those mails from us has failed to awake the world's biggest public sector entity from slumber. Sometimes you wonder what would wake them up, perhaps a serious agitation? Subramani -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of Janardhana Naidu Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 7:53 AM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons withdisabilities Hello Friends, The railway minister has neglected the needs of the persons with disabilities in the recently proposed railway budget even after 15 years after the enactment of persons with disabilities act.You can download the railway budget speech from the following link in text format. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2843856/RBspeechEng.txt with best wishes , G. Janardhana Naidu, Research scholar, Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Mobil: 09440257537 Skype: janardhananaidu E Mail: janardhananaid...@gmail.com To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.i n Email secured by TPML Electronics To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in -- === Visit my blog at: freestuff4indians.blogspot.com Skype ID: akhil.akhil29 === To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons withdisabilities
All those mails from us has failed to awake the world's biggest public sector entity from slumber. Sometimes you wonder what would wake them up, perhaps a serious agitation? Subramani -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of Janardhana Naidu Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 7:53 AM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons withdisabilities Hello Friends, The railway minister has neglected the needs of the persons with disabilities in the recently proposed railway budget even after 15 years after the enactment of persons with disabilities act.You can download the railway budget speech from the following link in text format. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2843856/RBspeechEng.txt with best wishes , G. Janardhana Naidu, Research scholar, Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Mobil: 09440257537 Skype: janardhananaidu E Mail: janardhananaid...@gmail.com To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.i n Email secured by TPML Electronics To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons withdisabilities
Hello folks, Can't we take the issue to the parliament? If possible, we can take the special needs of disabled with the members of parliament. The organizations working for the disabled should have a conversation with some of the oppositions members. they will have the option to rage the issue when debate takes over. forwarding a memorundam doesn't solve the problem. Why don't we send the representation to the some of intellectuals? I hope some of us will take the responsibility right now. Yours, Surya. On 2/25/10, Subramani L lsubram...@deccanherald.co.in wrote: All those mails from us has failed to awake the world's biggest public sector entity from slumber. Sometimes you wonder what would wake them up, perhaps a serious agitation? Subramani -Original Message- From: accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in [mailto:accessindia-boun...@accessindia.org.in] On Behalf Of Janardhana Naidu Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 7:53 AM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons withdisabilities Hello Friends, The railway minister has neglected the needs of the persons with disabilities in the recently proposed railway budget even after 15 years after the enactment of persons with disabilities act.You can download the railway budget speech from the following link in text format. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2843856/RBspeechEng.txt with best wishes , G. Janardhana Naidu, Research scholar, Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Mobil: 09440257537 Skype: janardhananaidu E Mail: janardhananaid...@gmail.com To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.i n Email secured by TPML Electronics To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons with disabilities
Hello Friends, The railway minister has neglected the needs of the persons with disabilities in the recently proposed railway budget even after 15 years after the enactment of persons with disabilities act.You can download the railway budget speech from the following link in text format. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2843856/RBspeechEng.txt with best wishes , G. Janardhana Naidu, Research scholar, Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Mobil: 09440257537 Skype: janardhananaidu E Mail: janardhananaid...@gmail.com To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Railway budget with out mentioning needs of persons with disabilities
not went through it, but it is not the first time inspite of all our efforts. let us fight for a good one in the future. On 2/25/10, Janardhana Naidu janardhananaid...@gmail.com wrote: Hello Friends, The railway minister has neglected the needs of the persons with disabilities in the recently proposed railway budget even after 15 years after the enactment of persons with disabilities act.You can download the railway budget speech from the following link in text format. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2843856/RBspeechEng.txt with best wishes , G. Janardhana Naidu, Research scholar, Department of Political Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Mobil: 09440257537 Skype: janardhananaidu E Mail: janardhananaid...@gmail.com To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Railway Budget
As per my knowledge, AICB DELHI has rased the issue of purchasing disability concession ticket through online booking before Railway. But, further, result is awaiting. Regards, Rakesh. - Original Message - From: phani srikanth phani...@gmail.com To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 7:16 PM Subject: Re: [AI] Railway Budget further it is the responsibility of all our NGO organizations to take up these issues. let us fullfill our duties and i request all the representatives of NAB ENABLE AICF ETC. shall take up these issues in to consideration because if we protest as individuals there wont be much response but if we take these issues as groups there will be much response. so so so at least now my dear friends please wake up and raise to the occasion. On 6/15/09, phani srikanth phani...@gmail.com wrote: hi, kanchan i am sending it right now. it is the responsibility of all of us to write the same facts and express ourself so please do it. srikanth On 6/15/09, SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com wrote: Dear Kanchan, You have pointed out to very relevant issues faced by travellers with disabilities in Indian Railways. The provisions being made at Railways stations are not accessible from any point of view. While new Toilets of NDMC that we worked on are free to use, the railway stations Rest rooms are in very bad shape and are being charged for. To me all rail ticket holders should be allowed to use these service free of cost and the same should be maintained in the highest hygienic conditions. Its because of this reason that many prefer to spoil the station by using the train toilets while train is on the platform!! The exclusionary practice of separate boggy is a second class non-ac 8 seater compartment appended close to the guards coach which in itself is in accessible. My experience indicates that it is more often used by railway police staff and people bribing railway staff. Not only Users feel highly unsafe and vulnerable but they don't get other services like Pantry tea-Breakfast etc as this is not connected to the train at all. Well we are writing a letter to the Railway Minister covering all the points that you mentioned. Thanks! 2009/6/15 Pamnani kanchanpamn...@hotmail.com We have been expressing our concern and anguish regarding the railways on this list. Now is the time to act. I am copying below some points which can be sent to the Railway Minister. many of us are affected lets see how many of us are really bothered. if you are not only an arm chair complainer then please send out a letter to the Railway minister on similar lines and send a copy to Secretatiat E-mail Address(es): secretar...@ncpedp.org Ms. Mamta Banerjee Hon’ble Minister for Railways Room No. 239 Rail Bhavan New Delhi – 110 001 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE RAILWAY BUDGET VIS-À-VIS DISABILITY Travelling in train continues to be an ordeal for disabled people and senior citizens in our country. Their safety and needs should be taken into account while planning the Railway Budget. Even though The Disability Act (enacted over a decade ago) mandates railway stations and coaches to be made barrier free for disabled people, its implementation leaves much to be desired. Following are some of the suggestions for the Rail Budget with respect to the needs of people with disabilities: a.. Railway Stations: Railway stations are not accessible for people with disabilities. Apart from a ramp (sometimes it is just a slope and not a proper ramp!) which is available in some stations and reserved parking, there are no facilities for people with disabilities at the stations. The issue of accessing the reserved parking, reaching the various platforms and getting on to the train for people with mobility impairment; making enquiries and getting information about rail routes, arrival/departure, etc. for hearing impaired people; and safe and independent mobility and access to information for visually impaired persons are not being taken into account while renovating/upgrading the railway stations. Specific Plan (covering all aspects of accessibility for disabled people) should be prepared to make all stations disabled friendly. All passenger amenities that are being planned should ensure that they cater to the needs of disabled passengers as well. There should be availability of serviceable wheelchairs at every platform and sign language interpreters at every station. a.. Coaches: There are now ‘special coaches’ for disabled people in certain trains. The approach is exclusionary and defeats the very purpose of inclusiveness and a universally accessible environment. The coach is totally disconnected from all other compartments. Only 8 passengers along with the escorts can travel. The design of ALL coaches should follow the universal design concept and should be accessible for all. There should be a clear plan to design coaches which are inclusive, so that disabled people can
Re: [AI] Railway Budget
further it is the responsibility of all our NGO organizations to take up these issues. let us fullfill our duties and i request all the representatives of NAB ENABLE AICF ETC. shall take up these issues in to consideration because if we protest as individuals there wont be much response but if we take these issues as groups there will be much response. so so so at least now my dear friends please wake up and raise to the occasion. On 6/15/09, phani srikanth phani...@gmail.com wrote: hi, kanchan i am sending it right now. it is the responsibility of all of us to write the same facts and express ourself so please do it. srikanth On 6/15/09, SC Vashishth subhashvashis...@gmail.com wrote: Dear Kanchan, You have pointed out to very relevant issues faced by travellers with disabilities in Indian Railways. The provisions being made at Railways stations are not accessible from any point of view. While new Toilets of NDMC that we worked on are free to use, the railway stations Rest rooms are in very bad shape and are being charged for. To me all rail ticket holders should be allowed to use these service free of cost and the same should be maintained in the highest hygienic conditions. Its because of this reason that many prefer to spoil the station by using the train toilets while train is on the platform!! The exclusionary practice of separate boggy is a second class non-ac 8 seater compartment appended close to the guards coach which in itself is in accessible. My experience indicates that it is more often used by railway police staff and people bribing railway staff. Not only Users feel highly unsafe and vulnerable but they don't get other services like Pantry tea-Breakfast etc as this is not connected to the train at all. Well we are writing a letter to the Railway Minister covering all the points that you mentioned. Thanks! 2009/6/15 Pamnani kanchanpamn...@hotmail.com We have been expressing our concern and anguish regarding the railways on this list. Now is the time to act. I am copying below some points which can be sent to the Railway Minister. many of us are affected lets see how many of us are really bothered. if you are not only an arm chair complainer then please send out a letter to the Railway minister on similar lines and send a copy to Secretatiat E-mail Address(es): secretar...@ncpedp.org Ms. Mamta Banerjee Hon’ble Minister for Railways Room No. 239 Rail Bhavan New Delhi – 110 001 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE RAILWAY BUDGET VIS-À-VIS DISABILITY Travelling in train continues to be an ordeal for disabled people and senior citizens in our country. Their safety and needs should be taken into account while planning the Railway Budget. Even though The Disability Act (enacted over a decade ago) mandates railway stations and coaches to be made barrier free for disabled people, its implementation leaves much to be desired. Following are some of the suggestions for the Rail Budget with respect to the needs of people with disabilities: a.. Railway Stations: Railway stations are not accessible for people with disabilities. Apart from a ramp (sometimes it is just a slope and not a proper ramp!) which is available in some stations and reserved parking, there are no facilities for people with disabilities at the stations. The issue of accessing the reserved parking, reaching the various platforms and getting on to the train for people with mobility impairment; making enquiries and getting information about rail routes, arrival/departure, etc. for hearing impaired people; and safe and independent mobility and access to information for visually impaired persons are not being taken into account while renovating/upgrading the railway stations. Specific Plan (covering all aspects of accessibility for disabled people) should be prepared to make all stations disabled friendly. All passenger amenities that are being planned should ensure that they cater to the needs of disabled passengers as well. There should be availability of serviceable wheelchairs at every platform and sign language interpreters at every station. a.. Coaches: There are now ‘special coaches’ for disabled people in certain trains. The approach is exclusionary and defeats the very purpose of inclusiveness and a universally accessible environment. The coach is totally disconnected from all other compartments. Only 8 passengers along with the escorts can travel. The design of ALL coaches should follow the universal design concept and should be accessible for all. There should be a clear plan to design coaches which are inclusive, so that disabled people can travel with dignity and comfort in whichever class or compartment that they wish to, from say a general category bogey to a Ist AC Coach! a.. Allocating appropriate seats in coaches: While booking tickets using the Railway Concession Forms, persons with
