In a stride towards bettering the Mumbai Local Train experience for senior citizens, the Railway Board has nodded for a transformative plan. This includes the conversion of middle vendor compartments into dedicated spaces for the elderly, on both Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) lines.
The compartments will seat 13 passengers and accommodate 91 standees
Recognising the arduous journey faced by seniors, travelling via the bustling Mumbai local trains, Western Railways has decided to reserve one compartment in every train solely for senior citizens. This decision comes after careful consideration of the challenges faced by elderly commuters, during rush hours and the pressing need for improved facilities for them.
Previously, only seven seats were allocated for seniors in specific compartments. However, with this new initiative, 13 seated passengers and 91 standees will find respite in the designated compartments. This modification aims to alleviate the difficulties encountered by the elderly amidst crowded trains.
This initiative comes on the heels of a Public Interest Litigation filed in 2022 highlighting the daily struggles of around 50,000 elderly commuters. Following the Bombay High Court’s intervention, the railway authorities were prompted to address the issue, leading to the recent approval of the proposal.
