The Kerala Urban Road Transport Corporation (KURTC) had earlier
removed facilities for wheelchair users inside their buses. After disability
rights groups and activists raised complaints for almost a year, officials
have brought back facilities to lock wheelchairs inside the buses along with
introduction of wheelchair ramps as well. Wheelchair users in the state are
now happy that they can travel independently without any hassles.
It has been almost a year since wheelchair users in Kerala has been demanding
for accessibility in low-floor buses run by Kerala Urban Road
Transport Corporation (KURTC). Reportedly, the buses came with
wheelchair ramps and facilities to lock
wheelchairs. But it was removed a few months back and new seats were
added. Officials stated that it was due to heavy rush in buses during peak
hours. Removal of these exclusive spaces to keep wheelchairs had caused much
inconvenience to passengers. Wheelchair users in the state are now relived
after all the facilities have been brought back.
In one of the incidents, wheelchair of a student was accidentally thrown off
from a moving bus due to lack of facilities to lock it. All these had angered
members from the disabled community who have been protesting against the
injustice shown to them. In fact, Kerala Transport Minister AK
Saseendran, after hearing the grievances, had promised speedy
action. Many NGO’s and welfare organisations for people with disabilities
including the All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation (AKWRF) has been
protesting for the cause. They are all thrilled that justice has been given.
Rajeev Palluruthy, Secreatry, AKWRF, says that their efforts
have finally been paid off.
It has been over a year since we have been protesting against removal of
facilities for wheelchair users. We even gave a petition to KURTC officials
and the state minister. Now, they have brought back facilities and we are
glad that justice has been served. Many wheelchair users will now be able
to travel independently. MLA George Fernandez has stood by us throughout
and helped us make this a reality. He worked closely with us-Rajeev
Palluruthy, Secretary. AKWRF.
KURTC is the only government run transport facility that has wheelchair
facilities in it. The buses were introduced in Kerala in collaboration with
the central government. Wheelchair users from across the state point out
various incidents where they struggled to travel in these buses.
For instance, Mohammad Rabeeh, a wheelchair user and his
friends had to chase a bus and make the driver stop it so that Rabeeh could
board the bus. Once he boarded the bus, passengers abused him saying that he
caused them inconvenience. “The state government is being insensitive to our
requirements. Having wheelchair facilities in public transport is our right.
Earlier, when we had the facilities, travelling was much easier. There are
many wheelchair users who commute to different parts of the state in these
low floor buses for studying and even work. Now, travelling has become a
nightmare to us. We have given complaint to ministers and other officials.
But our complaints go unheard. Six new seats are installed at places which
are for wheelchair users. How do they expect us to travel in the buses?”,
Rabeeh had commented earlier.
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