Title - 'Rail yatri sevak' scheme in ECR not launched yet

PATNA: The 'Rail yatri sevak' scheme for senior citizens is still to be implemented in East Central Railway (ECR). Railways had earlier announced to provide more amenities to senior citizens to make their train journey safe and comfortable under this scheme.According to an ECR official, railways has decided to introduce it at important stations, including Patna, Gaya, Mughalsarai and other major stations under East Central Railway (ECR). Railways is in constant touch with the service providers to make available trolley and 'sevaks' at major stations to help elderly people during journey, he said.

According to a senior official of Danapur rail division, railways is keen to introduce 'sevak' service, first at Patna Junction and Rajendra Nagar Terminal. "Railways is in touch with a few agencies to implement this scheme under Danapur division," he said, adding that railways is yet to get offer from private agencies to implement this scheme.

Under the proposed plan, railways would allow registered agencies and voluntary social organizations to depute their men at important stations to serve elderly people as 'sevaks'. They would be paid nominal charges for carrying luggage of sick and unable passengers on railway platforms, a Railway Board official said, adding that railways has already introduced this scheme at New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad stations. However, it could not get much patronage as the scheme has not been made popular among the needy passengers in other zones of railways, including Bihar.

Railways is ready to coordinate between 'sevaks' and passengers to make it more popular, said Danapur rail division PRO R K Singh, adding that this service would be available round the clock at important stations once implemented.

"During odd hours, railway porters are hardly available on platforms. 'Rail yatri sevak' scheme would provide much relief to elderly and sick people during journey," Jagat Prasad, 70, said and added that railways must not delay its implementation at Patna Junction.