Thiruvananthapuram: Setting another example for the country, Kerala has turned the central railway station in the state capital disabled-friendly. In a first in the country, the railway station has introduced portable ramps and foldable wheelchairs for physically-challenged commuters.
The letter campaign of Miss Wheelchair India runner-up Virali Modi was the motivation behind the move. It was Southern Railway Chief Commercial Manager Ajith Saxena of Chennai division who took note of Virali’s letters and directed the respective authorities to initiate such measures in Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
Video – Times of India
She once had a bitter experience while using the help of railway porters to alight the train. Virali, in her Facebook page, shared her pleasure over the new initiative.
Ramps and wheelchairs will be made unveiled in Ernakulam South Railway Station within two weeks, Thiruvananthapuram Senior Divisional Commercial Manager V C Sudheesh said. Two wheelchairs were donated by Lions Club. Thissur and Palakkad railway stations will get the facility soon. Apart from this, Trichy, Madurai and Salem stations will be made disabled-friendly.
At Thiruvananthapuram station, the passenger can dial 138 or 182 for help. The passenger has to request for the support in advance. Details can be send to [email protected].
In case if a woman requests for the assistance, a lady staff will be there to oversee the assistance by the porters.
