Monday, October 26, 2009

Central Railway fined 49 passengers for traveling in compartments for Disabled people

The Central Railway (CR) on Tuesday fined 49 commuters for travelling in a (pictured) compartment meant for people with disabilities. According to railway officials, the drive has been carried out in six local trains, five Kalyan– Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) locals and one Asangaon–CST local between 10 and 11 am.

According to Shriniwas Mudgerikar, chief spokesperson, Central Railway (CR), the administration had received several complaints (through SMSes and e–mails) alleging that several passengers travel in special compartments meant for people with disabilities. On Monday, a disabled commuter had also lodged a complaint with the railway authorities alleging the same.

RPF personnel and Travel Ticket Examiners (TTEs) also participated in the drive and collected fine amounting to Rs 11, 806 from the offenders.

"As per section 155 of the Indian Railway Act, a minimum amount of Rs 200 can be imposed on a person who is found to travel in a compartment meant for people with disabilities and he/she can be given simple imprisonment for four days, if he/she fails to give the fine. As per the Act, physically challenged persons should produce the necessary certificates issued by an authorised medical officer. A cancer patient can also avail of this service. Leave alone the first class and compartments meant for people with disabilities and cancer patients, commuters cannot enter the vendors' compartment also," Mudgerikar said.

"This is not an end to it. We will soon conduct similar surprise checks so that such travelling can be curbed," added Mudgerikar.

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