Hyderabad: Ever since the launch of commercial operations of the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR), many senior citizens have been seen taking the trains on a regular basis, and younger passengers are complying with announcements asking them to vacate seats for the elderly.
Senior citizens believe that the Metro Rail will act as a catalyst for community building and help them connect with other senior citizens.
According to the HMR authorities, the Metro rail has been designed keeping the elderly and disabled people in mind. Spaces like stations, elevators, ticket counters, and even the trains, have been planned after consultation with experts and persons with disabilities, to ensure that everyone is able to use them with ease.
Mr Venugopal Rao, a senior citizen and a member of the Miyapur Walkers Association, said, 22 senior citizens travelled on the Metro from Miyapur to Ameerpet.
“The staff were very cooperative. One of the senior citizens was not able to use the escalator but the helpers assisted him in getting to the platform by the lift. The Metro Rail is very senior citizen-friendly. We had a gala time singing and dancing in the train.”
He added that the instructions and announcements, which are made in three languages, and the route maps posted inside the coaches were helpful. “There is adequate space to move safely within the Metro stations. The availability of a form of public transport that is safe, quick, and less-polluting, will definitely encourage families to go out more.” frequently, and will help further family values. Quality of life will improve and togetherness will be promoted,” he said.
Mr Prakash Rao, 82, said, “The ecofriendly mode of transport will enhance the well-being of citizens. Less pollution means that we will be breathing in fresher air. A commuter-friendly mass transport system will bring people together and promote cohesiveness among citizens.” The metro rail will foster healthy interactions among people.”
