Mumbai: No more 'regular' travelling in coaches for the handicapped

Beware of travelling in the train compartments marked for the differently abled - you may bump into railway police and staff. Western Railway (WR) is conducting a month-long survey to find out the number of specially abled commuters on local trains and may ask them to identify themselves.

Also read: Handicapped commuters demand CCTV in their coaches to nail offenders

RPF officials will be travelling in coaches for the handicapped from next week. File pic

Source said, WR staff from the commercial department and Railway Police Force (RPF) officials will begin the initiative from next week.

Dressed in civil clothes, they will ask for people inside these compartments to furnish proof of their handicaps. Currently, these compartments - which are also designed differently for physically challenged and cancer patients - are located next to the first class compartment. The officials said they would be traveling for at least two hours during daytime, especially in the peak hours, on both sides.

Complaints galore
Apparently, WR officials have received numerous complaints about regular commuters boarding the coaches meant for the handicapped. Naisargik Viklang Seva Sangh president TN Dubey said, "We have written several letters to railway authorities informing them about this issue. Regular commuters often board these special coaches during peak hours and block the entrance - refusing the physically challenged to either board or alight at a station."

Also read: Cops told to stop travelling in handicapped compartments

As part of this survey, WR also seeks to figure out if these special compartments can be used for other purposes. "Pregnant women, especially those in an advanced stage (7 months and more) can travel in these coaches. We might also allow senior citizens on it because currently, it's tough for old people to board, alight and travel in regular coaches, as they are usually packed," an official said.

Did you know?
Women in advanced stage of pregnancy are allowed to travel in the coaches for the handicapped