Trying to get everyone aboard the Metro Rail

Chennai Metro Rail Limited will soon engage consultants to help it ensure that their services and facilities are easily accessible by those who are physically challenged.

This follows an access audit conducted by Disability Rights Alliance (DRA), Tamil Nadu in early July and their subsequent letters and submissions to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).

In August, according to Smitha Sadasivan, a member of DRA, a senior official of CMRL informed the DRA that all shortcomings had been noted.

“He said CMRL was ready to engage an accessibility consultant, as recommended by DRA, for upcoming projects including the ongoing ones underground. I suggested a team of consultants and he agreed,” she said.

Ms. Sadasivan has asked for changes to be also made stations that have been completed The audit, conducted on July 3, had thrown up a number of issues. They included, independent travel was rendered impossible due to non-compliant designs, there were inefficient and incomplete information channels, ergonomic flaws in the rail coach and safety from hazards was not ensured, said Vaishnavi Jayakumar, a member of the team.

DRA had urged CMRL in its letters to get an accessibility consultant, update its design and procurement standards and test for compliance. It also wanted CMRL to train Metro Rail staff on diversity and universal design.

“We have been engaging with CMRL from the beginning of the project and were very disappointed with the findings of the audit,” said Ms. Jayakumar. However, if the accessibility consultants are engaged and their suggestions taken, it will be a great step forward, she said.

This week, the DRA team is in the process of identifying a suitable consultant for CMRL. “CMRL is looking at someone working long-term on site with them to help,” she said. The CMRL official said: “We are holding discussions with the DRA team and the issues will be sorted out.”