To ensure railway stations cater to the needs of the elderly, the sick and those with physical disabilities, the Bangalore Division of the South Western Railway plans to improve the existing facilities in various railway stations in the City.
A clinic to provide free emergency medical services was introduced a few days ago at the Bangalore Cantonment Station in association with Narayana Hrudayalaya. The clinic consists of a nurse and few other staff. Doctors visit the clinic from time to time to check on patients. One more such clinic will soon be established at the Bangarpet railway station.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Narayana Hrudayalaya chairman Dr Devi Shetty said: “The clinic sees at least 100 patients every day. The aim is to provide immediate treatment in such a situation.”
In addition, two railway stations – Yelahanka and Bangalore Cantonment – will be getting one electric golf cart each to help the old and elderly and physically challenged move from one place to another in and around the railway stations. “There are three such golf carts being used at Yeshwantpur Railway Station which has eased commuting for the old and disabled,” Bangalore Divisional Railway Manager Anil Kumar Agarwal said.The cost of each golf cart is Rs 5.29 lakh and this is exclusive of the staff for maintenance and driving.
There are also plans to replace as many as four escalators in various railway stations and to instal more ramps. However, this needs the approval of the Railway Board.According to South Western Railways Zonal Consultative Committee Member Prakash Mandoth, more such measures are required.
On a daily basis, railway stations in Bangalore cater to at least 2 lakh passengers and a sizeable chunk of them are senior citizens and the disabled. Stations like Bangalore City and Yeshwantpur definitely require more facilities like escalators and ramps, said Mandoth. He also highlighted the need for a foot overbridge, besides parking facilities, at the Bangalore City Station.