By Sunitha Sekar

Copyright thehindu

Ten years after its launch, Chennai Metro Rail will finally have portable ramps on station platforms to help wheelchair users board and exit trains, by early next year.

Wheelchair users with disabilities who travel on the 54-km phase I and phase I extension network of Chennai Metro Rail have long been calling for the provision of ramps on station platforms. The absence of ramps makes it challenging to board or alight from trains due to the gap between the train and the platform.

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), Japan’s mass rapid transit system served as a strong example for providing ramp facilities to commuters; CMRL has decided to introduce similar ramps in Chennai. It has now invited bids to procure portable ramps and will award the contract within two months.

Officials said they plan to purchase 200 portable ramps. There are a total of 41 stations, and initially, two ramps will be available on each platform. “Staff will be stationed on the platforms of all stations to place the portable ramps whenever a wheelchair passenger arrives to board the train. Even now, when a wheelchair user reaches the concourse level, our staff take note and provide assistance. This will continue. Staff at the concourse will communicate with their counterparts on the platform to ensure that the portable ramp is ready when the commuter arrives,” an official said.

In March this year, officials conducted a trial using a sample ramp and decided to proceed with that design. Persons with disabilities said they are glad that such a facility is finally being introduced at the stations.

R. Sathish Kumar, a member of the Disability Rights Alliance who frequently travels via the Chennai Metro Rail, said: “This facility will be convenient for wheelchair users like me, and we have been looking forward to this for years now. The authorities should train the staff well, so that they know how to place the portable ramp correctly. Also, we hope that the gradient of the ramp is measured right, failing which it will be too steep and make it difficult for us to board and alight. If they reach out to us before the procurement of the ramps, we can communicate whether they are suitable.”