Provision of Yatri Mitra Sewa by Railways

Yatri Mitra Sewa for booking of wheelchair services cum porter services at Railway Stations.

Question: Recently Ministry of Railways has decided to introduce Yatri Mitras Sewa for enabling passengers to book-
(a) Catering services
(b) Health services
(c) Wheelchair services cum porter services
(d) Tickets
Ans: (c)
Related facts:

  • On 19 September 2016 Ministry of Railways has decided to introduce Yatri Mitras Sewa for enabling passengers to book wheelchair services cum porter services.
  • Yatri Mitra shall provide Wheel chair cum porter services to differently abled, ailing and old persons.
  • The responsibility of providing Yatri Mitra Sewa has been entrusted with IRCTC. IRCTC may provide this service ‘Free of cost’ through some NGO, charitable trust, PSUs etc under CSR.
  • IRCTC may also arrange these services through existing Battery Operated Car (BOC) Operator, wherever, an agency is providing the service.
  • However, if this service can’t be provided ‘Free of Cost’ due to lack of response from NGOs, Charitable trust, PSUs etc, IRCTC may arrange this service on payment basis through a service provider or on its own.
  • The Yatri Mitra service can be booked on IRCTC e-ticketing website and 139 (IVRS and SMS) or through a mobile.
  • The IRCTC/service provider on receipt of SMS will ensure that the Yatri Mitra is arranged/positioned at the platform near the coach of the arriving passenger.
  • The mobile number of the Yatri Mitra shall also be sent to the passenger through SMS in advance.
  • On arrival of the train, the Yatri Mitra shall approach the passenger near his coach, greet him, show his mobile message which will be similar as sent to the passenger himself.
  • IRCTC shall provide adequate number of wheelchairs at the station as per the requirement to be decided in consultation with SrDCM/DCM of concerned division. Preference should be given to battery operated wheelchairs.
  • The Yatri Mitra appointed by service provider shall be issued an ID card and permit to provide these services at the station by SrDCM/DCM of the concerned Division.
  • The service will be available at major stations.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=150899
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/railways-to-launch-yatri-mitra-sewa-at-major-stations-1461424