Chennai: To ease the difficulties faced by passengers, particularly, person wit disability and senior citizens, in accessing various platforms, Tambaram railway station, the city’s third largest terminal, is set to see a major passenger mobility upgrade with the installation of 9 lifts and 10 escalators on the newly built eight-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB).
The Southern Railway has floated a tender for lift installation, officials said.
The new FOB, constructed to handle increasing traffic at the station, will connect all platforms, unlike the existing bridge which offers limited reach.
With several express trains shifted from Egmore due to redevelopment works, Tambaram has been witnessing substantial suburban and long-distance passenger movement. “The lifts will ensure barrier-free access for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, patients, and passengers with luggage,” an official said. “Escalators positioned at concourse and platform levels will improve circulation and help disperse crowds efficiently.”
“Frequent inspections have been carried out by Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Singh,” officials said. “Similar facilities are being planned for the other FOB as well. The existing bridge connecting East and West Tambaram will continue to remain in use.”
Welcoming the development, Tambaram resident Dayanand Krishnan said that SR must also ensure seamless east-side connectivity and expand the circulating area. “A wider approach road near the FOB is necessary so passengers can get down easily. And as per the tender, work should be completed by March for hassle-free movement,” he opined.