Senior citizens of the NCR are demanding a separate coach in the Metro trains.
The Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association wrote letters to the Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, and also Delhi Rail Metro Corporation (DMRC), about this.
The two-page letter, which City Spidey has access to, reads: “At present, only a few seats are earmarked for senior citizens in Metro coaches, but that does not solve the problem, as the seats allocated are subject to individual courtesy."
It further reads: "The NCR has more than three million senior citizens and most of them depend on the Metro for transport, as it is safe, affordable and a faster mode of travel. We, senior citizens, get pushed and jostled [around], thus a coach exclusively for senior citizens would be a great help.”
City Spidey spoke to the RWAs, representatives of housing societies and other senior citizens on the subject. What came across was a mixed reponse.
VN Bali, president of RWA Federation, East Delhi, and a member of Senior Citizen Forum, said, "We want a separate coach to have a safer and more comfortable journey. We had raised this issue in 2012 too, when separate coaches were started for women."
SC Bhatia, another senior citizen of Overseas Apartments in Vasundhra Enclave, added, "A dedicated coach will show us that we are cared for — and that’s an important feeling at this stage of life.”
However, a few other senior citizens felt an exclusive coach was not necessary.
RP Vasudeva, a resident of Glaxo Apartments, said, "I frequently take the Metro to visit my son in Dwarka. Today's generation is educated and they respect senior citizens — they are willing to get up and offer us seats. I have never really faced any problem while travelling in Metro.”
When City Spidey contacted Anuj Dayal, a senior DMRC official, he confirmed, "Our office received a letter two days back. We will certainly discuss the issue at our next board meeting."
