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The Railways apprised the Bombay High Court that the proposal was developed by the Central Railway to consider whether separate accommodation to senior citizens in EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) rakes by converting a middle luggage compartment is feasible.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Arif S. Doctor heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to the Respondents to consider providing one compartment with a separate entrance for senior citizens in the local trains in Mumbai, similar to the one provided to persons with disability.
The Respondents are the Railway Board, the Central and Western Railways through their General Manager. The counsel appearing for the Railways, that is, both Central and Western Railways and the Railway Board, states that the Railway Board had called for suggestions from the Central and Western Railways by a communication dated 29 February 2023 and suggestions have been given by the Central and Western Railways in identical terms.
The counsel for the Railways has shown the High Court a copy of the suggestions given by the Central Railway to the Railway Board.
It is noted by the High Court that there are four luggage compartments in 12 car rakes and five luggage compartments in 15 car rakes over Mumbai Division. A proposal was developed by the Central Railway to consider whether separate accommodation to senior citizens in EMU rakes by converting a middle luggage compartment is feasible.
It is stated that for converting luggage compartment into senior citizens compartment, the feasibility report and cost of conversion will have to be called for and initially six seats can be made available and thereafter further seats can be provided after modification in sitting arrangements in a phased manner.
It is stated that for actual utilization of luggage compartment, a survey was undertaken where it was found that 80% space of luggage compartment was occupied by general passengers, most of them unauthorized passengers. With this backdrop, suggestions have been given by the Central and Western Railways.
The counsel, who also represents the Railway Board, states that the feasibility of the suggestions is under consideration by the Railway Board and the response of the Railway Board will be placed on record on the next date of hearing. The matter will next be heard by the High Court on 23 August 2023.