Mumbai local trains are the lifeblood of the city. Millions of people use this mode of transport every day since it is dirt-cheap and among the fastest public transport. Since the trains are mostly overcrowded, senior citizens often struggle to get on the train, especially during rush hours. But now, it will be relatively easier for old people to travel via local trains alone as locals will have a separate compartment for them.
Mumbai Local Trains To Have Separate Compartments For Senior Citizens
Mumbai local trains are all set to get a separate compartment in trains for senior citizens. This means that the elderly will no longer have to tussle in the general compartment to have a seat. They may easily travel in their designated compartment.
The demand for a separate compartment for senior citizens was made by K P Purushotham Nair. In a public interest litigation or a PIL, Nair, who is himself a senior citizen of 66, stated that it is extremely difficult for old people to find a seat during peak hours.
There are a total of 14 seats in the general compartment designated for the elderly but during rush hours, it is, more often than not, occupied by younger folks. The PIL states that around 50,000 elderly folks travel in locals each day. The lack of seats forces old people to travel in overly crowded compartments on foot while standing.
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One Of The Four Luggage Compartments To Be Designated For Senior Citizens
In a survey conducted by the railways a few months ago, it was found that sound 90 per cent of the travellers in luggage compartments are from the general category. There are a total of four luggage compartments in a 12-car train.
The authorities have noted that one of the four luggage compartments can be converted for senior citizens. The reason that one of the general compartments is not being designated for older people is that given the number of people who travel every day, these compartments are already falling short.
Do you have any elderly in your family for whom this news will be a welcome one? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
First Published: July 21, 2023 10:41 AM