CHENNAI: Amid repeated complaints from wheelchair users over accessibility at the Tambaram and Egmore railway stations during the redevelopment, the Southern Railway has stationed wheelchairs at various locations and arranged porter assistance to escort passengers to their trains and help them board.

A dedicated help line number has also been provided for Divyangan passengers who want to book mobility support. The Railways has displayed information on porter services and the prescribed charges at suitable locations inside the station. The assistance facility will remain available on a temporary basis until the new footbridge is commissioned, the Railways said.

A total of 18 wheelchairs that can access all platforms will now be available from the Gandhi Irwin road entrance. Signage installed at the main entrance will guide passengers towards the route. The new 18m wide footbridge, being built between the Gandhi Irwin Road and Poonamallee Road, will have six escalators and five lifts, providing access to all platforms. The facility is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The announcement follows concerns raised by wheelchair users over access to platforms during the redevelopment, particularly on the 11A side and from the Metro-side entrance. At Tambaram, the division has stationed 13 wheelchairs. A feasibility study has also been conducted for temporarily operating battery-operated vehicles from platform 1A to ease passenger movement during the redevelopment. An 8m wide footbridge with lifts and escalators, connecting all platforms at Tambaram, is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.