Bengaluru: While digitalisation of the Divyangjan concession card has eased train travel for many, implementation challenges and accessibility gaps continue to affect commuters. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) have welcomed the move but are calling for more accessibility-focused reforms and inclusive infrastructure development across the railway network.Until recently, PwDs in Karnataka, like across the country, had to visit railway offices and fill out forms in order to get their travel concessions. Indian Railways offers fare concessions of up to 50% to 75% for eligible PwDs and their escorts. Because of its lower prices, a significant number of people depend on it for their travel.Despite Railways implementing an online portal to deal with Divyangjan card applications and renewals, members of the community are still unaware of the facility. “Still, we see people coming to booking offices without knowing the online facility,” an official from South Western Railway’s (SWR) Bengaluru division said.The zone stated eligible passengers can apply online for the issuance or renewal of photo identity cards through the dedicated portal divyangjanid.indianrail.gov.in.“Applicants can register on the portal using a valid mobile number and submit the required documents online. They are required to upload self-attested copies of the prescribed documents. Once the application is approved, the Divyangjan photo identity card can be downloaded and printed directly from the portal,” the official added.Many in Bengaluru pointed out infra gaps in accessibility in trains. Murthy Naveen Babu, a para-athlete from Indiranagar, said half of the community is still unaware of the concession facility itself. “Sometimes stations have ramps, but ticket counters are accessible only by steps. Travelling alone can be difficult and, as someone who travels to Kadapa every month for tournaments, I find it a constant challenge.”However, he expressed optimism about the online process, saying that journeys can now be planned better. “There should be no online glitches, and the process should be clearly explained in multiple languages. That would make it much more accessible for all of us,” he added.Inadequate informationAccording to Anusha O, a teacher working in Bengaluru, information regarding disabled coaches is still not communicated properly. “I cannot move anywhere without a wheelchair. A huge issue I’ve faced is regarding the position of such coaches. Sometimes when we see the coach position online, it will display the position on the side of the engine. Once the coach was actually at the end of the train,” she said.She also called for more comfortable PwD coaches and urged the railway department to make general coaches more accessible. “We also want to travel in air-conditioned coaches, because in other cars, the berths cannot be accessed through wheelchairs.”Bengaluru-based throwball player and international para-athlete Manjula also sought more disabled coaches in trains. “At railway stations in Bengaluru, accessibility is fairly good, though I can manage without a wheelchair. Many athletes who travel with me, however, face difficulties. Coaches should have wider doors, and there should be more accessible coaches on every train,” she said.As per the Association of Persons with Disabilities (APD), the concession process is one part of the travel experience, but accessibility in rail travel has to be looked at much more holistically.
