Thiruvananthapuram Rail Division Launches Portable Ramps, Customised Wheelchairs

Swift Summary

• Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway, launched ‘Project Sugamya – Breaking Barriers’ at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
• The initiative introduces portable wheelchair ramps and customized wheelchairs for differently-abled persons and senior citizens.
• 15 mobile ramps and 15 customized wheelchairs were handed over to the railways, placed for easy access at station managers’ offices in multiple railway stations within the division.
• wheelchairs are specifically designed to ensure barrier-free movement inside station premises and coaches. Portable ramps facilitate safe boarding and alighting near coach entrances.
• Dr. Manish Thaplyal,Divisional Railway Manager,inaugurated the facilities alongside representatives of NGOs Swarga Foundation,Pallium India,Care & Share,as well as other senior railway officers.
• The Southern Railway highlighted this project as a collaborative effort empowering differently-abled individuals with independence and dignity in travel.

Indian Opinion analysis

The introduction of ‘Project sugamya – Breaking Barriers’ signifies an important step forward in improving accessibility within India’s public transportation sector. Customised wheelchairs paired with portable ramps reflect thoughtful design aimed at addressing practical challenges faced by differently-abled passengers when navigating stations or boarding trains. this initiative demonstrates both innovation and collaboration-engaging NGOs like Swarga Foundation alongside railways-which sets a precedent for future accessibility projects across the country.

The availability of these facilities through station managers ensures swift assistance while fostering inclusivity toward senior citizens or those with mobility impairments. While designed specifically for convenience within railway environments today, broader nationwide adoption could help universalize accessible travel standards in India’s transport network over time.

Read more: Published – July 14,2025 | source: The Hindu