Concerns spark over denial of free travel for attendants in PRTC bus of visually impaired
Ferozepur, March 21, 2025: Despite clear directives from the Pepsi Road Transport Corporation (PRTC), Patiala's Operations Branch under the signature of its General Manager, regarding free bus service for attendants of visually impaired passengers, instances of non-compliance continue to surface.
In a recent incident, Anil Gupta, a retired music lecturer from Government College, Faridkot, now residing in Ferozepur, faced such negligence. Gupta, whose wife is also visually impaired, was compelled to purchase a ticket worth Rs 155 ( Bus No. 8872, Ticket No.09312621 of March 21, 2025) for his attendant, Ashu Singh, during a journey from Ludhiana to Chandigarh. This occurred despite presenting the Unique Disabled Identity Card (UDID) issued by the Government of India and highlighting the official instructions.
Ainil Gupta said, these instructions, initially released on June 20, 2024, with a subsequent reminder on June 28, 2024, were a result of a three-year legal battle led by 70-year-old Vijay Walia, a visually impaired individual who challenged the Punjab government in the High Court. The guidelines mandate the allowance of free travel for one attendant accompanying a visually impaired passenger, and detailed reimbursement processes were outlined to facilitate this implementation.
He said, who is also the General Secretary of the Progressive Federation for the Blind (Punjab Unit), expressed his frustration over this continued oversight. “Travelling alone is both risky and traumatic for the visually impaired. Free travel for attendants is essential to ensure their safety and dignity,” he said, urging the government to enforce these instructions stringently and prevent harassment of visually impaired passengers.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the visually impaired community in asserting their rights, despite clear legal provisions aimed at promoting their welfare.