As a part of ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’, to provide ease of movement for Divyangjans, aged and children on railway platforms, Indian Railways is installing lifts and escalators at railway stations across the country. So far, there are 497 stations where either lifts or escalators have been provided.
Escalators:- As per policy, normally Railways are providing escalators at State Capitals, Cities having population more than 10 Lakh or stations having footfall more than 25000 per day.
So far, 1090 Escalators at 339 stations have been provided upto Aug’2022. Yearwise position of provision of Escalators is as under:-
| YEAR | Upto Mar’2019 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 till Aug. |
| Nos, of Escalators provided | 656 | 86 | 120 | 182+ 10 (Rep.) | 46+ 8 (Rep.) |
Lifts:- As per policy, GM/Zonal Railways are empowered to select stations/platforms for provision of Lift considering footfall, constraints of space etc.
So far, 981 Lifts at 400 stations have been provided upto Aug.’2022. Yearwise position of provision of Lifts is as under:-
| YEAR | Upto Mar’2019 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 till Aug. |
| Nos, of Lifts provided | 484 | 92 | 156 | 208 | 41 |
Indian Railways has been consistently trying to improve passenger amenities at various stations. Provision of escalators and Lifts at the railway platforms is a part of this and also a necessity in view of the ever increasing passenger volumes. Such facility would facilitate improvement at exit/entry of passengers and is a further step to improve passenger safety as well.