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Physically challenged demand rail travel concession

Ananya Dutta

– PHOTO: Sushanta Patronobish.

Physically challenged demonstrators outside the Railway reservation counter in Kolkata demanding concessions in rail travel.

KOLKATA: Several physically challenged demonstrators demanding concessions in train fares and other amenities from the Railways, courted arrest by violating prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr.PC here on World Disability Day on Thursday.

At a public meeting held outside the reservation counter of Eastern Railway, 123 people were arrested.

“Disabled people who frequently travel on local trains have no concessions in fares. We have repeatedly taken up this matter with the railway authorities, who have not responded,” said Kanti Ganguly, Minister for Sunderbans Affairs who is also the secretary of the Paschimbanga Rajya Pratibandhi Sammilani, the organisers of the event.

“The current Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has often spoken about making the Railways more accessible to the poor and in the spirit of inclusion of the disabled it would only be fitting that some benefits be announced for them,” he added.

Chairman of the Left Front Committee Biman Bose said that he supported the demand for travel concessions for the physically challenged.

According to a press release, although there is 75 per cent concession on express trains for the category, there are no concessions on local trains. Those who want to avail the existing concession face several hassles as well.

The demonstrators also demanded that the Railways take measures to ensure that platforms, over-bridges, ticket counters, waiting rooms and toilets are usable by them.

It was sought that those with disability higher than 40 per cent should be able to travel free of cost along with an attendant.

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