Chennai: S Vishnuvardhan, 34, a passenger with a disability, was forced to climb stairs with his friend’s help to catch a train at Chennai Egmore last Wednesday after he could not find a wheelchair. The station master’s office was also locked, highlighting the difficulties Divyangjan passengers face amid redevelopment-related changes to access routes.To address such issues, Southern Railway officials said they have made temporary arrangements to assist elderly and Divyangjan passengers while new foot overbridges (FOBs) are being constructed.At Egmore, wheelchair access from the Poonamallee High Road side has been temporarily suspended, except for Platform 11A. Passengers needing wheelchair access can enter from the Gandhi Irwin Road side, which provides access to all platforms. The station has 18 wheelchairs placed at different locations, with banners and signs directing passengers to the accessible route.A dedicated assistance number, 9003061958, is also available for Divyangjan passengers. Officials said assistance includes escorting wheelchair users to trains and helping them board. Porter services and the prescribed charges have also been displayed for elderly passengers who require mobility support.The major improvement is expected after completing an 18-meter-wide FOB connecting the Gandhi Irwin Road and Poonamallee Road sides. Constructed as a priority, the FOB will have six escalators and five lifts connecting all platforms and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.At Tambaram station, 13 wheelchairs are available at different locations. A similar assistance facility is being provided for Divyangjan passengers. Officials have also examined the feasibility of temporarily operating battery-operated vehicles from Platform 1A. An 8-meter-wide FOB with lifts and escalators connecting all platforms is under construction at Tambaram and is also expected to be completed by the end of this year.Across Chennai Division, wheelchair assistance is available at 118 stations. Major stations including Chennai Central, Chennai Beach, Mambalam, St Thomas Mount, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Arakkonam, Tiruttani, Katpadi and Jolarpettai have multiple wheelchairs. The division has 154 lifts and 65 escalators at important stations, while battery-operated vehicles are available at Chennai Central, Egmore, Tambaram and Chengalpattu.
