RPF trains gun on disabled coaches of 20 CR trains Mumbai Mirror | Aug 12, 2019, 06.17 AM IST Disabled commuters say they are often forced to let go of trains because of lack of space The Railway Protection Force (RPF) will on Monday begin a crackdown in 20 trains on unauthorised commuters travelling in compartments reserved for the disabled . The trains include those leaving for CSMT from Titwala, Ambernath and Khopolifrom 7.30 am- 11 am and 5.30 pm-8.30 pm on the mainline and those departing from Vashi, Belapur and Mankhurd on the harbour line. SpecialRPF teams have been formed and deployed at Dombivali, Thane, Ghatkopar and CSMT, where most of the offenders have been caught in the past. Another team comprising women personnel is being formed to target offenders in women's coaches. As many as 11,500 commuters have been booked under Section 155 of Railway Act since January this year for unauthorised travel in disabled coaches. The decision to conduct these raids was taken following repeated complaints from commuters with disabilities. A meeting-headed by KK Asharaf, senior divisionalsecurity commissioner, RPF, CR-was convened on Saturday with representatives from various associations of disabled commuters. At the meeting, the representatives pointed out that most of the unauthorised travellers alighted a moving train as soon as it entered the platform, and that complaint calls to the RPF's helpline 182 are almost always diverted to other departments, instead of the patrol parties. They said that sometimes, RPF personnel wrongly identify offenders and end up nabbing persons with disabilities. Asharafsaid, "There in a tendency to travel during peak hours in crowded trains in the compartments reserved for handicapped passengers as they are relatively empty. Strict action will be taken through raids to curb the menace." The CentralRailway will also installCCTV cameras in new handicapped coaches. It is assessing the feasibility of extending the plan to the existing coaches. The RPF will impart training to its staff who answer calls on the helpline to pass on information in to the teams concerned quickly. The RPF is also looking at launching a mobile app that will allow passengers to reach out during emergencies. The app willsend an alarm to the nearest patrol party with the precise location of the coach, enabling the team to react promptly. Nitin Gaikward, who runs an organisation Nirdhar Viklang Vikas Sanghatana for disabled commuters who suffers from 75 per cent disability, said disabled commuters are often forced to let go of two to three trains because the compartments reserved for them are wrongfully occupied. "Sometimes, women from the adjoining ladies' compartment also get in. We are hopeful that a permanent solution will be arrived at soon."
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