The station poses significant challenges for disabled passengers, especially those in wheelchairs, due to its inadequate infrastructure.
Published Mar 11, 2025 | 9:01 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 11, 2025 | 9:01 PM
Suburban, express, and metro trains chug in and out of the station at regular intervals, catering to an estimated two lakh passengers daily.
Synopsis: With multiple platforms, the Chennai Egmore Railways Station is not disabled-friendly and poses a major challenge to those with mobility issues. Despite laws mandating necessary infrastructure, the station, so far, has not implemented them. However, the Southern Railway said the renovated station will be disabled-friendly.
At first glance, the Chennai Egmore Railway Station is impressive.
A major landmark, its imposing domes overlook the bustling city, hiding its Gothic-style cavernous corridors and wooden stairs.
The Victorian wrought iron beams and the clock with Roman numerals add to the station’s old-age charm. Today, with 11 platforms, the station is a multi-modal transportation hub.
Suburban, express, and metro trains chug in and out of the station at regular intervals, catering to an estimated two lakh passengers daily.
However, the imposing facade of the early 20th-century structure covers up a major handicap.
The station poses significant challenges for disabled passengers, especially those in wheelchairs, due to its inadequate infrastructure.
Despite the existing accessibility laws under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the revised Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021, critical gaps remain in the station’s layout.
Chennai Egmore Railway Station. (SA PlaneMad/Wikimedia)
According to Sathish Kumar R, a member of the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA), the existing foot-overbridge at Egmore is not fully accessible.
“Platforms one to three and the fourth platform are directly accessible from the main entrance, but platforms five, six, and seven lack lifts and ramps. This makes it impossible for a wheelchair user to navigate independently,” he said.
The fourth platform is the last one to have a lift, but it does not caters to those using the metro.
“A wheelchair user or even someone with reduced mobility requires a lift or ramp, but none exists in the middle-stretch,” Kumar pointed out.
A new foot-overbridge has been constructed on the Poonamallee side with a ramp, but it ends with a flight of six steps, making it unusable for wheelchair users.
The station poses several challenges to persons with disabilities.
“When building new infrastructure, it must be accessible till the very end. Partial accessibility is as good as inaccessibility,” he added.
The struggles extend beyond Egmore to other stations, such as Tambaram, where similar issues persist.
“In Tambaram, a ramp has been built on the foot-overbridge but not on the eastern exit. There are no lifts or ramps there either,” he said.
The Central Railway Station, being a major terminal, is comparatively better equipped with ramps and lifts.
However, the accessibility challenges at Egmore continue to hinder the mobility of disabled passengers. Battery cars, which are available at the fourth platform, do not connect to other platforms and are primarily used for ferrying cargo.
“The authorities must rectify these flaws immediately,” Kumar urged.
In October 2023, Southern Railway announced plans to audit stations, including Egmore, to address design flaws affecting disabled passengers. Concerns highlighted included the lack of tactile paths for the visually-impaired, ramps without landings, and toilets inaccessible for wheelchair users.
The audit aimed at making transportation more inclusive and accessible. Despite these initiatives, challenges persist.
A March 2023 report indicated that persons with disabilities were unsatisfied with the reworked ramp at Egmore Metro Station. They complained that the new ramp was too steep for manual wheelchair users.
According to another report, accessibility has become a pressing issue for differently-abled individuals at Egmore Metro Station, which is in proximity to the railway station.
“The demand for universal accessibility is not just a necessity but a legal mandate. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandates that public infrastructure be fully accessible,” Anita, a wheelchair user and a commuter said.
“The Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, revised in 2021, further reinforce the need for 100% accessibility in all new construction. Egmore and other stations in Chennai must comply with accessibility norms to make travel inclusive for all,” she added.
Priya (name changed), also a commuter using a wheelchair, said, “Every time I travel from Egmore, I need help from strangers to cross platforms. I have to depend on railway staff or fellow passengers to carry my wheelchair up the stairs. It’s humiliating and exhausting. Why can’t accessibility be a priority?”
Ramesh, a commuter who travels with his elderly mother, highlighted a similar issue and said, “My mother has reduced mobility due to age, and we struggle every time at the Egmore station. The lifts are either non-existent in crucial areas or placed in a way that makes no sense. A station that serves thousands daily must be fully accessible, not just for the disabled but for the elderly and those with temporary injuries as well.”
A visually-impaired passenger shared her concerns. “Egmore has improper tactile paving for visually-impaired travellers. I have to rely on someone to guide me through the station every time. Such an important station must have clear audio announcements, well-marked pathways, and trained staff to assist people with disabilities. While a Braille layout exists, I feel it could be implemented better to enhance navigation for visually impaired passengers.”
Ramu, a porter, said it was common to see many passengers struggling. “Many of us help disabled commuters out of goodwill, but the system should not depend on individual kindness. The infrastructure itself should be designed to accommodate everyone.”
Other porters and auto rickshaw drivers voice the same concern.
Deepak Nathan, professor and President of December 3 Movement, and Adviser, State Disability Committee, said, “Egmore station has remained inaccessible for centuries. Earlier, cars were allowed inside, but now even that option is gone, making it even less user-friendly.”
Every year, 3 December is observed at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Employers and customers must work together to create a truly inclusive space. After visiting Finland, I realised that just a lift and a joint passage could solve the issue. If we can aim for space travel, ensuring accessibility in Tamil Nadu should be a priority,” he further stated.
“The ‘Accessible India’ campaign has failed miserably, and the redevelopment efforts at Egmore—especially around platforms seven and eight — are half-baked. They tried to make it disabled-friendly but did not succeed,” he told South First.
A. Elumalai, PRO of Southern Railway, said the station was being redeveloped.
“We are ready to make temporary arrangements to assist those in need. The new design will ensure easy accessibility, with separate ramps and user-friendly facilities for the physically challenged,” he told South First.
“The entire space will be renovated to provide a better experience, and action is being taken immediately as per the norms,” he stated.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
