mumbai

Updated: Aug 14, 2017 09:27 IST

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Dadar railway stations will soon have battery-operated cars for the differently-abled, patients and senior citizens.

Based on the response and feasibility of the cars for long-distance trains, the Railways plans to extend the services at suburban stations.

According to a source, the Central Railway has floated a tender for the services and the authorities have planned to have them operational in the next six months.

A total of four cars will be available at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, three at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and one at Dadar station.

The demand for the battery-operated car services has been long-pending.

In 2016, the railway board had issued directives to all the zonal railways to provide battery-operated cars at major stations. Earlier, in partnership with an NGO, battery-operated cars were made available at the CSMT.

Passengers had then complained about the quality of the cars, lack of its availability, which eventually led to scrapping of the services.

“Battery-operated cars are a must at the CSMT because many passengers also come for treatment at hospitals in South Mumbai. The Railways should provide the services free The Railways is expected to provide commuter-friendly services, which are included in the ticket and the car service should be provided from . The Railways should also not compromise with the quality of the cars like last time and should check them thoroughly before launch” said Lata Argade, vice-president, Railway Pravasi Mahasangh.

“The commuters had pointed out that the battery-operated cars earlier were not in proper condition and most of the times were not available. This is why we decided to go ahead and float tenders regarding the battery-operated cars.” said a Central Railway official.