Allow Senior Citizens To Travel In Luggage Compartment of Locals Till Separate Coach Is Added: Bombay High Court

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Synopsis

The high court in its order noted that it hopes and trusts that the work order for modification of the requisite number of rakes shall be issued immediately and the entire work shall be completed within two years from the date such a work order is issued 

The Bombay High Court has asked the Railway Authorities to allow the senior citizens to travel in the luggage compartment of Mumbai Local till separate coaches for senior citizens are added to the local.

"It is beyond comprehension as to why, despite taking such decision, the benefit to the senior citizens to travel in the luggage compartments is not being given. We, therefore, direct that if there is no other impediment, the Central Railway managing the local trains in Mumbai shall ensure compliance of the said decision contained in paragraph 5 of the circular/letter dated 13th July 2023," the order reads. 

The division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar was hearing a PIL filed by KPP Nair seeking a separate compartment for senior citizens. 

The Central Railway informed the bench that a decision has been taken to provide one coach in each local train in Mumbai exclusively for use by senior citizens.

The bench was also informed that the required modification in 105 rakes over Western Railway and 155 rakes in Central Railway.

It added that the process will be done without hampering the existing train services and it will take around two years from the date of issue of work order and once the said modification in the rakes are done, the same will be available for senior citizen.

The high court in its order noted that it hopes and trusts that the work order for modification of the requisite number of rakes shall be issued immediately and the entire work shall be completed within two years from the date such a work order is issued.

Accordingly, the bench disposed of the petition.