New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways announced on Wednesday that 597 railway stations in India now have either lifts or escalators, which aim to facilitate easy movement of the elderly, sick and ‘divyangjans’ [differently abled persons]. The Indian Railways’ attempt to make the railways more accessible is a part of the centre’s ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan’ or ‘Accessible India Campaign’. The Ministry also said that the availability of lifts and escalators would allow the smooth movement of passengers from one platform to another and improve passenger safety.

Out of the 1287 escalators installed at 372 railway stations, 1144 have been installed between April 2014 and 2023, with 128 being installed in 2023 alone. Out of the 1292 lifts at 497 stations, 1195 were installed from April 2024 to 2023, and 227 in 2023.

“Indian Railways is committed to make its railways stations and trains accessible for Divyangjans as part of “Sugamya Bharat Mission” or Accessible India Campaign of Government of India. Improvement/augmentation of amenities including those for Divyangjans is a continuous process at Railway stations,” said a press release from the Ministry of Railways.

In December 2023, the centre issued a draft rule of guidelines issued by the Railway Board that would make train travel easier for the differently enabled if implemented, and sought feedback on them from the public and stakeholders. These guidelines include the creation of a dedicated website and mobile app for the differently abled, improved accessibility for sign boards and announcements in railway stations, and improved infrastructure such as ramps, handrails and accessible entry and exit points.

The Ministry also said that the Indian Railways has been consistently trying to improve passenger amenities at various stations, and the provision of lifts and escalators will improve the entry/exit process and passenger safety.