Portable ramps, customised wheelchairs introduced for rail passengers in Thiruvananthapuram Division

In a novel step towards ensuring accessible travel for all, Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway, in association with NGOs Swarga Foundation, Pallium India, and Care & Share, introduced ‘Project Sugamya – Breaking Barriers’ at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station on Monday. As part of this initiative, portable wheelchair ramps and customised wheelchairs are introduced at railway stations to enhance the travel experience of differently-abled persons and senior citizens. 

Dr. Manish Thaplyal, Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram inaugurated the facilities in the presence of representatives from the NGOs. As part of the initiative, 15 mobile ramps and 15 customised wheelchairs have been handed over to railways. At stations, the wheelchairs and portable ramps will be placed at the station manager’s office at various railway stations in the division for easy access and quick deployment. These wheelchairs are specially designed to facilitate barrier-free movement within station premises and inside coaches.

They are designed to offer independence, comfort, and safety to users. The portable ramps enable smooth boarding and alighting of differently-abled passengers using wheelchairs, ensuring safe and hassle-free entry and exit near coach entrances. Ms. Swarnalatha J., managing trustee, Swarga Foundation was present during the function. Senior officers A. Vijuvin, senior divisional operating manager; Lipin Raj M.P., senior divisional personnel officer; and Sunil Kumar, divisional commercial manager, Thiruvananthapuram along with station officials were present during the occasion. 

Project Sugamya stands as a unique example of how organisations with a shared vision of service can partner with Indian Railways to empower differently-abled individuals, enabling them to travel with dignity, independence, and confidence, said a statement from the Southern Railway.