Chennai: For senior citizens struggling to climb stairs with heavy luggage and commuters rushing to catch trains during peak hours, moving between platforms at Tambaram railway station could soon become easier. Southern Railway is expediting the installation of nine additional lifts and 10 escalators, with the facilities expected to be commissioned in phases from Nov.Of the nine lifts being installed to connect platforms to the new 8-meter-wide foot overbridge and station entrances, seven are complete. Two lifts at the western entry have received the necessary license, while approach pathway works are under way. Five others – one each at Platforms 1-2, 3-4 and 9-10, and two at the eastern entry – are awaiting statutory inspection and licensing. These are expected to open for passengers by this month. The remaining two lifts, at Platforms 5-6 and 7-8, are under installation and are targeted for commissioning by the end of November.Tambaram has emerged as a major transit point for southbound trains, particularly while Chennai Egmore railway station is undergoing redevelopment. Commuters have often had to depend on staircases to reach platforms and foot overbridges, making movement difficult for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and those carrying luggage.R Saravanan, a senior citizen and regular commuter, said, “The bigger question is how well they will be maintained. At several stations, these facilities stop working within days of being opened, forcing passengers to use the stairs again. The railway should carry out regular maintenance and ensure that repairs are done quickly. Otherwise, passengers, especially senior citizens and those carrying heavy luggage, will continue to face difficulties.”Meanwhile, installation of the 10 escalators connected to the new foot overbridge is also progressing. Materials for all 10 have reached the site, and five escalators have been hoisted into position. These include two at the western entry, two connecting Platforms 3-4 and one connecting Platforms 9-10. They are expected to open by mid-November. The remaining five escalators, including those connecting Platforms 1-2, 5-6 and 7-8 and the eastern entry, are targeted for commissioning by the end of December.Railway officials said the additional facilities would improve connectivity between platforms, foot overbridges, and station entrances, reduce dependence on staircases, and help manage passenger movement during peak hours. Once all work is complete, Tambaram station will have 10 lifts and 16 escalators, including existing facilities.A senior railway official said, “The installation works are being checked regularly to ensure that the lifts and escalators are made available to passengers as early as possible. Teams are working on a priority basis to complete the pending works, inspections, and licensing procedures. Necessary actions will be taken to finish the work at the earliest.”
