Is Indian Railways Disability friendly ? Shame on you, Railways!

Indian Railways, a state-owned railway company of India and the 4th largest railway network in the world, carries over 20 million people daily. But, are they Disability Friendly ? Mean, do they have any special reservation quotas and other elite treatments for people with disability ? Indian Penal Code says YES. But, the truth is different.

Bookings for festive season special trains tatkal tickets opened up few days back in Chennai and a group of disabled persons tried to book tickets at counters in Mambala Station. But, these disabled persons were turned away from the counter when they questioned the ticket booking supervisor about preferences that should be give to the disabled persons over other persons standing before them in the queue.

As per the Railways Order, disabled persons should be given first preference for ticket booking at the counters. Even senior citizen come behind them in preferences and violation of these rules is punishable offence.

The ticket booking supervisor at the counter did not only turn away disabled persons from the counter, but also pushed them away from the queue for questioning him about the rules – showing off a typical indian government officer mentality. Finally none of the disabled persons could book their tickets as the tatkal bookings went full.

What makes a country a great place to live for people with disabilities? A culture that values people and allows them to be open about who they are. A living place that accommodates various people and that reaches out to people with disabilities and values them as customers.

Well, I am not sure if India as a country is Disability Friendly, but for sure, Indian Railways is NOT for disabled persons! Shame on you – Indian Railways, for being so unfriendly to disabled persons!