Waltair Division to Set Up Assistance Booths for Divyangjan at Major Stations
Rayagada/VSKP – In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility and ensuring dignified travel for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs/Divyangjan), the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has announced plans to establish Assistance Booths at major railway stations across the division.
The initiative will cover all NSG-1 to NSG-3 category stations, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Rayagada. The booths will be prominently located at station entry and exit points, with clear signage for easy identification.
According to officials, these booths will provide wheelchairs and assistive devices such as crutches free of cost to passengers in need. Each booth will be manned by trained ‘Divyangjan Sahayaks’, who will guide passengers regarding available facilities and provide on-the-spot assistance.
To operationalize the project, the Division has sought the support of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in the field of disability welfare and empowerment. NGOs have been invited to provide volunteers free of cost to man the booths. Volunteers will receive basic training from the Railways to familiarize them with Divyangjan facilities and passenger support protocols.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) can be submitted to the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Waltair Division, DRM Office Annex, Dondaparthi, Visakhapatnam, or by email at watsrdcm@gmail.com.
Officials of Waltair Division said the move is part of Indian Railways’ broader commitment to making travel safe, convenient and inclusive for all passengers, particularly Divyangjan. “This initiative will help create a more travel-friendly environment where every passenger can journey with dignity and comfort,” the Division stated.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
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