TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 11 APRIL 2026
For years, Kalpana Das (name changed) lived with a silent anxiety that mirrored the darkness she navigated daily. Having lost her eyesight, the simple act of catching a train for her regular doctor’s visits felt like an insurmountable mountain. She would sit by her window, waiting for a family member to become free, her independence tethered to someone else’s schedule. Similarly, Pratik Guha (name changed), who lost his legs in an unfortunate accident, felt the world shrink around him. The bustling platforms and high train coaches seemed like fortresses he could no longer scale. But today, the story has changed. Eastern Railway believes that every passenger deserves equal dignity, comfort, and the opportunity to travel without barriers. By transforming its stations into truly “Divyangjan Friendly” hubs, the railway has turned the fear of Kalpana and Pratik into the freedom of the tracks.
Across the four major divisions of Howrah, Sealdah, Malda, and Asansol, a massive infrastructural overhaul is ensuring that no passenger is left behind. To assist those with visual impairments, Eastern Railway has implemented audio and video Braille maps along with specialized Braille signage to guide travelers. The auditory experience is further enhanced by the announcement of Divyangjan facilities at 25 stations and the specific announcement of Divyangjan coach positions at 36 stations, ensuring passengers know exactly where to stand. To make the physical journey seamless, 137 stations now feature accessible routes with tactile guides, while 248 stations have been equipped with standard ramps at entrances featuring double-height handrails and tactiles. These efforts are complemented by standardized illuminated signage that makes navigation intuitive for everyone.
The commitment to comfort extends into every corner of the station premises. For those like Pratik, accessibility starts at the very beginning of the journey with accessible parking available at 57 stations. Once inside, passengers find ease of access through 419 accessible toilets and dedicated accessible drinking water booths. Navigating the ticketing process has also been simplified through accessible ticket booking counters and queue segregating handrails designed to manage crowds safely. For any immediate assistance, 41 stations now host accessible help booths, and 111 stations provide dedicated wheelchair facilities. The installation of a total of 93 lifts and 77 escalators across the zone further ensures that vertical movement between platforms is no longer a struggle for those with limited mobility.
On the platforms and inside the trains, the focus remains on dignity and ease. Priority seating arrangements have been formalized to ensure comfort while waiting, and 252 stations now boast enhanced coach amenities specifically designed for Divyangjan passengers. Whether it is the standard ramps at station entrances with double-height handrails or the specialized tactile paths that lead the way, every detail has been curated to foster an environment of self-reliance. Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway, Shri Shibram Majhi, stated that these comprehensive upgrades across Howrah, Sealdah, Malda, and Asansol are not just about infrastructure, but about restoring the confidence of every citizen to travel the length and breadth of the country with absolute independence.
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