Due to lack of proper information about the free service of golf-carts available for the physically challenged and senior citizens, several passengers are unable to avail the service at New Delhi railway station.
Railway passengers have demanded the authorities to advertise the services on a wider scale by putting up billboards and signages in the railway station premises.
Munish was at the station to see off his family members who were travelling in Ranchi Rajdhani on Friday.
He reached Ajmeri Gate a bit early to help his grandmother who is unable to climb stairs.
“One of the co-passengers said free golf-cart service is available at the station, however, I ended up carrying my grandmother as I could not get a clear picture about whom to approach and what is the process involved to get the service,” he Munish.
Munish also complained that even the policemen at the station failed to provide the correct information.
A need to display proper signages at the right places arises at the station to save the passengers from having a harrowing experience.
Three golf carts – two on Paharganj and one on Ajmeri Gate side - are available at New Delhi station that carries physically challenged passengers and senior citizens on to desired platforms free of cost.
In order to avail the service, a passenger needs to contact the ‘May I Help You’ counters and get a slip, which is handed over to the driver of the cart.
The service is also available at the Old Delhi station.
The railway officials say they would see how they can disseminate information regarding this to ensure passengers’ convenience.
“The passengers must also try to reach the station at least an hour before the scheduled departure. As the number of carts are limited and might be rendering service to others, passengers need to wait for their turn,” said Y S Rajput, Senior PRO, Delhi Division.
The rule of getting slips from the dedicated counters cannot be bypassed to save time to ensure that only the needy people avail the service, added the official.
“Moreover, the mechanism helps in checking any malpractice by the driver of the cart. If the service is not monitored, the driver could well start charging from the passengers and this will lead to more troubles,” the railway official added.