The railways is batting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to ensure that their travel is smooth and easy. The Railway Budget yesterday proposed a host of measures to make long-distance trains more accessible. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced the provision of lifts and escalators at major stations to facilitate easy movement of the elderly and PWDs.

Rs 120 crore has been provided for this purpose. “All newly manufactured coaches will henceforth be Braille enabled, and Rail Coach Factory has been asked to explore the possibility of building wider entrances for the ease of differently-abled passengers,” said Prabhu.