Rail Budget: Why senior citizens, women should be happy with Suresh Prabhu

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhu, said that the Indian Railways is fulfilling its social obligations towards Divyang, senior citizens and women travelers.

Presenting the Railway Budget 2016-17 in Parliament today he said, for the Divyang, the Railways has introduced one-time registration for availing concessions while booking tickets online, online booking of wheelchairs and Braille enabled new coaches.

He said for senior citizens and women travelers, increased quota of lower berths has been provided.

In the coming financial year, the Railways is increasing the senior citizen quota per coach by 50%, resulting in almost 120 lower berths per train for senior citizens. It has added more escalators and lifts and reserved middle bays in coaches for women security. 

Another 33% seats will be earmarked as sub-quota for women in all reserved categories. As far as amenities are concerned, hot water, baby food and milk will be available for travelling mothers.