The Bombay High Court has ordered the Indian Railways to expedite the conversion of luggage compartments in local trains into specialized senior citizen compartments. This move comes in response to a public interest litigation filed by a senior citizen who highlighted the challenges faced by the elderly while commuting during peak hours.
The court’s directive is a significant step towards ensuring the comfort and convenience of senior citizens, who often struggle with overcrowding and limited seating options in local trains. The decision also underscores the Railways’ commitment to providing accessible and inclusive transportation services. The Railways has assured the court that the conversion process will be carried out over a period of two years without disrupting regular train services. This will involve modifying 105 rakes on the Western Railway and 155 rakes on the Central Railway.
The court has also directed the Railways to permit senior citizens to use the luggage compartments until the conversion is completed. This interim measure will provide immediate relief to elderly commuters. The Railways’ decision to prioritize the needs of senior citizens is commendable. It reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by the elderly population and the importance of providing them with adequate facilities. By creating dedicated compartments for senior citizens, the Railways is taking a proactive step to improve their commuting experience. This move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall commuting experience of local train passengers. With the conversion of luggage compartments into senior citizen compartments, general passengers will have access to more seats in the general compartments.
The Bombay High Court’s ruling is a victory for senior citizens who have long advocated for better transportation facilities. It is a testament to the power of public interest litigation in addressing the concerns of marginalized groups. As the Railways moves forward with the conversion process, it is important to ensure that the new compartments are designed to meet the specific needs of senior citizens. This includes providing adequate seating, handrails, and other amenities that will make commuting more comfortable and accessible for the elderly.
