Stations with Escalators and Elevators — Accessibility Guide

Getting across platforms at an Indian railway station with heavy luggage, a wheelchair, or limited mobility used to be a nightmare of steep staircases and narrow foot overbridges. That's changing — slowly but meaningfully. Indian Railways has been installing escalators and elevators at major stations over the past several years, and the coverage is expanding.

But knowing which stations have them, where they are within the station, and whether they're actually functioning — that's the practical information this guide provides.

Current State of Escalators and Elevators

As of 2026, Indian Railways has installed escalators and/or elevators at over 1,000 stations. However, the rollout is uneven:

• A1 category stations (metro cities): Most have escalators on major platforms and elevators on at least some platforms
• A category stations (major cities): Most have escalators, elevators are common but not universal
• B and C category stations: Escalators are less common; elevators are rare
• Smaller stations: Staircase-only in most cases

Stations with Comprehensive Accessibility

These stations have escalators and elevators on most or all platforms:

Station	Escalators	Elevators	Notes
Rani Kamlapati (Bhopal)	All platforms	All platforms	Best accessibility in India
SMVB Terminal (Bangalore)	All platforms	All platforms	New station, built to modern standards
Gandhinagar Capital	All platforms	All platforms	Modern redeveloped station
Ayodhya Dham	All platforms	All platforms	Recently redeveloped
New Delhi (NDLS)	Most platforms	Platforms 1, 8, 16	Coverage varies by platform
Mumbai CSMT	Most long-distance platforms	Platforms 1, 8, 18	Suburban section has fewer
Howrah	Major platforms	Platforms 1, 9, 16	Not all 23 platforms covered
Chennai Central	Most platforms	Platforms 1, 10	Good coverage on main platforms
Bengaluru City (SBC)	Most platforms	Major platforms	Decent coverage
Secunderabad	Most platforms	Key platforms	Being expanded

How to Find Escalators and Elevators at a Station

Look for signage

Most stations with escalators/elevators have blue accessibility signage on the foot overbridge. Look for the wheelchair symbol or "Lift/Elevator" signs.

Ask railway staff

Station staff and RPF personnel can direct you to the nearest elevator. The station manager's office (usually near platform 1) can also help.

Use the Divyangjan (disabled) helpline

Dial 139 (Indian Railways helpline) and select the option for accessibility assistance. You can request wheelchair assistance, porter help, and information about elevator locations.

Check before your journey

Look up your station on IndianRail.app to plan ahead and know which platforms your train uses, so you can identify the nearest elevator in advance.

The Functioning Problem

Here's the honest truth: having an escalator or elevator installed and having it actually work are two different things at Indian railway stations. Maintenance has been a persistent challenge.

Common issues:

• Elevators out of order: Particularly at older installations where maintenance contracts have lapsed


• Escalators running in one direction only: Some stations run escalators up only, not down


• Power issues: Some stations shut off escalators during low-traffic hours to save electricity


• Overcrowding: During peak hours, escalators at busy stations like NDLS or Howrah get overloaded

What to do if the elevator isn't working

1. Ask station staff for alternative route (there may be a ramp)


2. Call 139 for wheelchair or porter assistance


3. Use the RPF booth on the platform — they can arrange help


4. At some stations, battery-operated carts (golf carts) are available for elderly and disabled passengers

Accessibility Beyond Escalators and Elevators

Wheelchair Ramps

Most major stations have wheelchair ramps at the main entrance and sometimes at platform entries. Quality varies — some are properly sloped with handrails; others are too steep to be practically useful.

Battery-Operated Vehicles (Golf Carts)

Available at select A1 stations (New Delhi, Mumbai CSMT, Howrah, Chennai Central, Secunderabad, etc.). These are free for:

• Passengers with disabilities
• Elderly passengers (65+)
• Pregnant women
• Passengers with medical conditions

Request at the station manager's office or call 139 in advance.

Tactile Path Tiles

Newer and redeveloped stations (Rani Kamlapati, SMVB, Gandhinagar Capital, Ayodhya Dham) have tactile path tiles for visually impaired passengers. These raised-pattern tiles guide passengers from the entrance to platforms.

Accessible Restrooms

Available at most A1 and A category stations. Look for the wheelchair-accessible restroom symbol. Quality is better at newly built or recently renovated stations.

Divyangjan (PwD) Booking Quota

Indian Railways has a special quota for passengers with disabilities. This includes lower berth reservation priority and special coaches on some trains. Book through IRCTC with your disability certificate.

Tips for Elderly and Disabled Passengers

Tip 1: Request wheelchair assistance in advance. Call 139 at least 24 hours before travel. Give your PNR number, train details, and specify what assistance you need. A wheelchair attendant will meet you at the station. Tip 2: Book lower berths. When booking on IRCTC, select the lower berth preference. Passengers over 60 and those with disabilities get priority for lower berths. Tip 3: Arrive early. Extra time accounts for slower movement, finding elevators, and getting settled. A 30-minute buffer is reasonable. Tip 4: Travel with a companion if possible. Indian stations, despite improvements, still have gaps in accessibility. A companion helps navigate the inconsistencies. Tip 5: Use the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya coaches. Specific coaches on some trains are designed with wider doors, accessible restrooms, and spaces for wheelchairs. Check if your train has one. Tip 6: Carry your disability certificate. If you have a PwD certificate, carry it for priority access to waiting rooms, booking quotas, and free porter service at some stations.

Stations to Watch — Upcoming Accessibility Improvements

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is upgrading accessibility at hundreds of stations across India. Stations currently under improvement include:

• Varanasi Junction


• Prayagraj Junction


• Patna Junction


• Bhubaneswar


• Visakhapatnam


• Many more B and C category stations

The trend is positive. More stations are getting escalators and elevators every year. But until coverage is truly universal, the practical tips above will help you navigate the system as it exists today.

The Bottom Line

Indian Railways' accessibility has improved significantly in the last five years. Newly built and redeveloped stations (Rani Kamlapati, SMVB, Gandhinagar Capital) set a high standard. Older major stations are being retrofitted with escalators and elevators, though the pace is uneven.

The key is preparation: know your station, know your platform, and request assistance in advance. The infrastructure is getting better, and the support systems (139 helpline, wheelchair service, battery carts) exist — they just need to be activated.