Indian Railways: Indian Railways has implemented many new rules to make train travel more convenient. These changes have been made especially keeping in mind the convenience of senior citizens, women above 45 years of age, pregnant women, visually impaired passengers and disabled people.
1. Auto allotment of lower berth
Now senior citizens, women above 45 years of age and pregnant women will be able to automatically get a lower berth subject to availability even if they do not opt for a lower berth while booking tickets. Apart from this, some lower berths will be reserved for these passengers in every coach. 6-7 lower berths will be reserved in sleeper class, 4-5 in 3AC and 3-4 in 2AC, which may change slightly according to the number of coaches of the train.
2. Special quota for disabled passengers
Special quota of seats has been reserved in all mail and express trains for disabled passengers and their attendants. This quota includes four berths (two lower and two middle) in sleeper and 3AC/3E classes and four seats in 2S/CC class.
3. Separate coach for disabled passengers
Most mail and express trains will now have separate coaches for disabled passengers. These coaches include features like wide doors, large berths, large toilets, grab rails (handles), wheelchair parking and mirrors at the right height and wash basins.
4. Braille Signboard for Visually Impaired Passengers
For visually impaired passengers, Railways has installed signboards in Braille script, so that they can easily understand which facility is available where.
5. Modern trains with accessibility features
The new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains have been provided with more modern accessibility features. The first and last coaches of these trains have space for wheelchairs, toilets and ramps designed for disabled people. Also, markings have been placed on the entry and exit doors in reserved coaches to make the journey safer and easier.
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