Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-maha-kumbh-preparation-indian-railways-takes-step-toward-inclusivity-with-multi-language-announcements-at-prayagraj-station-3659203/
Publisher: The Financial Express
In a landmark move aimed at making train travel more inclusive and accessible, the Prayagraj Railway Division is set to introduce multi-language announcements at major railway stations. This significant development, announced on Thursday, ensures that passengers from across India, speaking different regional languages, will receive train-related information in their native tongues, enhancing their travel experience and making information more comprehensible.
This initiative is particularly relevant during the ongoing Mahakumbh, where millions of devotees and travellers converge in Prayagraj. Amit Malviya, Senior PRO of the Prayagraj Railway Division, highlighted that multi-language announcements would be made for the first time during the Mahakumbh, aiming to cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of visitors.
In total, the announcements will be made in 12 languages: Hindi, English, and 10 regional languages—Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, and Punjabi. This effort aligns with the Indian Railways’ recognition of the country’s vast linguistic diversity and will ensure that passengers from various parts of the nation can easily understand important information regarding train arrivals, departures, and station details.
To ensure wide accessibility, speakers will be installed across platforms and shelter areas at major stations, ensuring announcements are audible. Additionally, announcers will be brought in from different divisions, each proficient in the respective languages, to ensure the clarity and accuracy of the information.
Kumbh Mela Preparation
As a part of the arrangements for the Mahakumbh, the Railway Division is also directing passengers to specific shelter areas based on their train destinations. This effort will reduce confusion, especially for the large influx of devotees, making their return journey smoother after their holy bath. The move to provide multi-language announcements not only boosts operational efficiency but also significantly contributes to a more seamless and culturally sensitive travel experience for people from all walks of life.
This step taken by the Prayagraj Railway Division is a commendable example of how infrastructure can adapt to the diverse needs of a nation, enhancing accessibility and ensuring that every traveller feels included, regardless of their linguistic background. It promises to be a model for other railway divisions to follow in the future, making Indian Railways a more inclusive and customer-friendly service.
