HYDERABAD: The Metro Rail on the first day was an exciting affair but for persons with disability it was hardly a joyous ride. As the trains were delayed, people on their crutches had to wait for as long as 25 minutes. The worst being the case of Begumpet and Ameerpet Metro stations where there were no seats installed for the disabled. Meanwhile, the Metro officials said that they will be installed in the coming weeks.
The train from Nagole to Ameerpet arrived 25 minutes late at Begumpet Metro station. Shiva Krishna, who was on crutches after an accident, said, “There was neither any seat nor any place for me to I lean a bit,” said the 32-year-old, who was accompanied by a friend. The HMRL officials had taken a few persons with disability for a metro ride to showcase the disabled-friendly features. But on day one, many faced difficulties. These ranged from moving in the gaps between the metro door and the station platform to those with visual imparity raising complaints about the announcements inside the trains not being audible enough.