Metro to install chairs at platforms

OFFICIALS SAID THE MOVE IS BASED ON FEEDBACK AND SO THAT WOMEN AND SPECIALLY ABLED PASSENGERS DO NOT HAVE TO STAND

women and specially abled passengers travelling in Delhi Metro won’t have to stand while waiting for trains at stations.

After feedback from passengers, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is installing chairs at platforms in 10 stations in the first phase.The DMRC will identify more stations where sitting facility is needed.

Chairs are being installed in front of the front coach, which is reserved for women. Usually, wheelchair-bound passengers also board from there.

“We have been receiving feedback from passengers on the lack of sitting space. Though many stations have chairs, those without sitting arrangements are being identified. Enough seating space are provided at platforms for the comfort of the passengers, especially those with special needs,” said a DMRC official.

Chairs have been installed at two stations at Rajiv Chowk, GTB Nagar, Vidhan Sabha, and two stations at Central Secretariat, ITO, Janpath, Jungpura and Mandi house.

A set of three chairs have been installed at these stations. A total of 20 chairs that can accommodate 60 persons have been installed.

“At most of the stations, we have seating facilities but some of the old stations, chairs were not present. Also at interchange stations like Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat, more chairs are required as passenger flow is huge. Mandi house has also become an interchange but there are not enough seating arrangements at the platform,” the official added.

At the stations of origin, where passengers tend to wait for the train for a longer time, DMRC has enough seating arrangements. But at some stations, space was also an issue.

“In the train, we have an entire coach reserved for women. In every coach, about 16 seats are reserved for women and senior citizens. But at platforms, seats for not specifically reserved for women. That is why chairs are being installed right in front of the women’s coach,” the official added.

Wheelchair-bound passengers come to the platform from the front of the train and chairs will cater to them as well.