Delhi: All New Buses Procured To Feature Wheelchair Areas, Low-floor Entry & More

For people living in Delhi, buses are truly a lifeline. One that has been serving people of the city long before the metro came into existence. And the Delhi Government is all set to upgrade the buses. As revealed in a report by The New Indian Express, a new draft framework has been proposed to ensure that the transport system makes buses and metros more accessible for persons with disabilities.

Public Transport To Be More Convenient In Delhi?

Making public transport more accessible for people, according to the draft, changes have been proposed, such as including wheelchair spaces in buses and metro trains. Not to mention, there should be step-free toilets at stations and level boarding ramps as well. In fact, as revealed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with disabilities, comments and suggestions have been invited from stakeholders and the general public on the draft.

Measures Detailed In The Draft

The draft in question, however, details how there are several measures that have been marked non-negotiable. These rules, in turn, will strengthen the creation of a barrier-free environment. For instance, according to this new draft, all the new buses that are approved under the central scheme must have safety belts, designated wheelchair areas, and low-floor entry.

In fact, existing ones in the service will also be retrofitted with tested lifts or bridges. Moreover, four priority seats with seat belts will also be required in each bus so that people with limited mobility can also travel hassle-free. Similarly, metro and rail platforms will have to deploy rubber gap fillers so that it’s easier to accommodate wheelchairs. Moreover, coach doors and aisles should also be widened for them.

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Bus Shelters In Delhi To See An Upgrade?

In the same breath, people in the city can soon expect a better public transport experience with the Delhi Government planning to upgrade all the bus stands in the national capital. Boasting modern infrastructure, complete with proper seating, sanitation and shade, it’s bound to make travelling a lot more convenient for commuters once done. In fact, these shelters would have security features like panic buttons and CCTV cameras, amongst other facilities, as revealed in a report by the Times of India.

With rusted structures and missing seats a common sight, now people can expect the conditions to get better soon.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Ramesh NG