dra cmrl compilation of submissions till 20150825

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Chennai Metro Accessibility : A Compilation


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Making Chennai Metro accessible to all -

...including passengers with disabilities

Submissions from DRA to CMRL

from end 2011 - July 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. NO SUBMISSION PAGE

1 15 July 2015 Cover letter with requirements and suggestions post access walkthrough 1

2 3 July 2015 Appendix 1: User Experiences of Chennai Metro Accessibility 3

3 3 July 2015 Appendix 2: Key Concerns & Commitments not kept 12

4 4 July 2014 Visual guide reference, matrix, minutes & POA post CMRL & DRA meet 25

5 15 Feb 2012 Accessible Chennai Metro INFRASTRUCTURE checklist 55

6 14 Feb 2012 Accessible Chennai Metro RAIL CAR checklist 69

7 Apr 2012 CMRL Newsletter (Facilities Planned for Physically Challenged in Chennai Metro Stations & Coaches) 74

8 Correspondence record till date DRA CMRL : engagement on accessibility (2011-2015) 76

9 Reference self-evaluation checklist : Transit System Accessibility Checklist of 2015 106

10 Reference : Delhi Metro Access Audit of 2012 137


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15 July 2015

Team CMRL

Poonamallee High Road,

Koyambedu,

Chennai 600107

Dear Mr. Bansal,

Team DRA shared the same joy at Chennai Metro’s service inauguration along with Chennai’s citizenry,

compounded with the excitement and hope that here, finally would be one part of Chennai’s public service

space that was guaranteed accessible. Especially since Disability Rights Alliance had extensively inputted 1

pro-bono into accessibility features of Chennai Metro by engaging with CMRL for over 40 months till date.

(Meeting records, correspondence and document submissions are compiled in Accessibility inputs for

CMRL. A physical copy can be provided if needed.)2

Imagine our dismay when our July 3rd 2015 maiden accessibility walk-through showed little or no signs of

accessibility planning right from the design to completion! The accessibility checklist was abandoned 3

halfway as the sheer volume of errors that needed fixing overwhelmed the group.

As things stand, (without taking into account the number of stations and CMRL systems to be completed in

the near future), there is practically a denial of service - almost to the point of total exclusion - of at least

10% of Chennai’s population. Select feedback from disabled access auditors is available in APPENDIX 1.

We find ourselves today in the very position that we wanted to avoid at all cost : of demanding retrofits

requiring disruption and significant expenses to address issues that were supposed to be ensured in the

planning process itself.

KEY CONCERNS : The following concerns needing immediate or timebound redressal are elaborated in

APPENDIX 2 :

a. Independent travel rendered impossible by non-compliant design

b. Safety from hazards and potential injury

c. Inefficient, incomplete information channels

d. Rail coach ergonomic flaws

1 Srinivasan, M (2012, May 6), “Chennai Metro will be barrier-free: CMRL.” The Hindu. Retrieved from

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-metro-will-be-barrierfree-cmrl/article3388348.ece 2 See : “Accessibility inputs for CMRL” DRA Retrieved from http://bit.ly/Dra2Cmrl 3 “On our way : transit system accessibility checklist” which we had requested information on prior to our

postponed 24th June 2015 meeting https://www.scribd.com/doc/270469282/on-our-way-accessibility-checklist-en

Secretariat : c/o DLU, Vidya Sagar, 1, Ranjit Road, Kotturpuram, Chennai - 600 085 Phone: 22354784 E: [email protected]

P a g e 1 o f 1 4 6 D R A s u b m i s s i o n s t o C M R L b i t . l y / D r a 2 C m r l

https://www.scribd.com/doc/270469282/on-our-way-accessibility-checklist-enhttps://www.scribd.com/collections/14316370/DRA-to-Chennai-Metro-Rail-on-Accessibilityhttp://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-metro-will-be-barrierfree-cmrl/article3388348.ece


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REQUIREMENTS & SUGGESTIONS :

1. Accessibility consultant : An expert to be appointed on a paid basis and provided with plans,

drawings, maps, manuals and specs of stations, coaches, equipment and services so as to urgently

a. provide practical, economical retrofits for errors in completed work,

b. plan design inputs to ensure accessibility standards of work near completion

c. draw up an SOP to ensure sustained inclusion and future accessibility and, sustained

inclusion and short term retro-fixes.

2. Design and procurement standards updation : Detailed accessibility standards and specifications to

be incorporated in design, procurement and testing processes, existing tenders to be updated to

reflect the same

3. Testing : On site pendulum testing to measure real-world floor slipperiness to be conducted, with

findings data to be shared in the public domain.

4. Compliance Inspection by Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety : With specific respect to the safety,

usability and accessibility standards detailed in DRA’s submissions till date, a comprehensive

accessibility audit of station, rail car, equipment, processes etc to be conducted and published with

guidelines to ensure a universally designed accessible travel experience uniformly and consistently

across India.

5. Education, Training and Orientation : Incorporation of diversity training and universal design of

customer experience in the core syllabus of customised educational courses on Metro Rail

Transport Technology and Management as well as induction and lifelong learning programmes for 4

staff.

We hope to hear from CMRL, a response or an invitation for redressal hearing from DRA in this regard.

Failure to receive a reply, after all these sincere efforts of engaging with CMRL for an accessible transport

mechanism would lead us to believe that CMRL is not so concerned about providing a public utility service

which truly meets the needs of the user public, including the disabled.

DRA would like to place on record here the courtesy and helpfulness of the CMRL staff on the 3nd July

access walk-through; their pleasantness - even in the face of frustration of the increasingly irate group – is to be commended.

Sincerely,

TEAM DISABILITY RIGHTS ALLIANCE

Project Contact : Smitha S

4 Course paused at IIT-Madras but still continuing in IIT Delhi. “Programme Code : CEX Postgraduate Diploma in

Metro Rail Transport : Technology and Management Department of Civil Engineering.” IIT Delhi retrieved from

http://civil.iitd.ac.in/File.pdf/10.PGDiploma.pdf

Secretariat : c/o DLU, Vidya Sagar, 1, Ranjit Road, Kotturpuram, Chennai - 600 085 Phone: 22354784 E: [email protected]


http://civil.iitd.ac.in/File.pdf/10.PGDiploma.pdf


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A endix 1: User Ex eriences of Chennai Metro Accessibilit - 3 Jul 2015



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Contents

EXPERIENCE SPEAKS: DRA-NTT Data Team access trip (3/7/2015) ......................................... 3

1. Ummul Khair .............................................................................................................. 3

2. Shankar Subbiah ......................................................................................................... 3

PHYSICAL ACCESS .......................................................................................................... 3

INFORMATION ACCESS .................................................................................................. 4

3. V.S. Sunder ................................................................................................................. 5

Eternal Optimism: The CMRL flashback ......................................................................... 5

Refusal to accept REALITY: Railing against the current state… ................................. 7

4. Smitha Sadasivan ........................................................................................................ 8

a) TOILET: ................................................................................................................ 8

b) LIFT: ..................................................................................................................... 8

c) EMERGENCY AID: .................................................................................................... 8

d) DISPLAY MESSAGES: ............................................................................................ 8

e) SIGN LANGUAGE:................................................................................................. 8

f) ENTRY TO TRAIN: .................................................................................................... 8

g) TICKET COUNTERS, TOKENS, TICKET VENDING MACHINE, TOKEN GATE WAYS .... 9

5. Rajiv Rajan .................................................................................................................. 9

In the beginning, giddy with great expectations...



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EXPERIENCE SPEAKS: DRA-NTT Data Team access trip (3/7/2015)

1. UMMUL KHAIR

I am Ummul Khair - a person with cerebral palsy, a wheelchair user, a legal activist, member

of Disability Rights Alliance and part of Disability Legislative Unit (South).I was very happy that in our city Metro rail started, so that I could finally travel

independently. Sadly, due to the following inaccessible features of Chennai Metro, I cannot

travel independently without assistant.

a) Automatic ticket gates are too high- not reachable and I cannot see where to place

the token

b) Elevators according to the signage are to be used for disabled, elderly and sick

persons- yet the elevators are not disabled-friendly, I could not reach the emergency

intercom as it was too high.

c) I could not use the concourse emergency phone for the same reason

d) Similarly, the privacy lock in the toilet is too high for any wheelchair user

e) Signage says “In case of emergency use stair case”. How can disabled people like me

use the stair case - is there any alternative?

2. SHANKAR SUBBIAH

PHYSICAL ACCESS

1. Entry Access

1.1. The floor is too slippery and glossy for elderly people as well as crutch users and

others who may have stability difficulties. Tactile paths are incomplete in stationplatforms like Koyambedu.

1.2. Token check points not accessible for wheel chair users. Have to be in sight and

height accessible for at least the path designated for them.

2. Toilet

2.1. The main toilet door is too heavy to push / pull for a person with Cerebral Palsy

or for a calliper / crutch user.

2.2. Once inside the toilet of Alandur station, the toilet door entrance is too narrowfor wheelchair, not even a medium adult wheel chair could enter, forget about

power wheelchairs! The width of the entrance was o.k. at Koyambedu however.

Does CMRL go by design standards or accommodate if space is available

2.3. The door is not sliding and also has a door closure arrangement that is tough to

open for people with locomotor impairments. The latch to close is on top not

reachable for wheelchair / crutch / calliper or somebody with a height of or below 4

ft. The latch is also not of the recommended standard.

2.5. No grip rails at Alandur station. And those structured are suitable for wheelchair

users or crutch users - both for wash basin and closet. The hand shower and flush

button are not easily accessible.



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3. The guard walls in platforms are provisioned at a height to have an aerial view of the

city. A wheelchair user cannot do so because of the height of the cemented structure

blocking his eyesight and denying the same joy as like others.

4. There is no guard rail on platforms at entry points where coach door opens. This may

in rush hours may cause others to push children or persons with disabilities bang on thetrain

5. The gap between the platform and the coach by height and width is more. This may

cause the wheel struck for wheelchair users, or the cane getting stuck for visually

challenged.

6. Inside the coach, no provisions for wheel chair users to hold on or a positioning

place reserved for them.

7. The seats at least in the end portion of the longer seats should have handles for

somebody with low stability like elderly persons to position, switch over and for grip

while travelling

8. No water facility available in platforms for emergency conditions or for children or

for elderly persons with heart, dehydration risks in city hot like Chennai. Not sure

whether it is available even at lower levels of the station.

INFORMATION ACCESS

1. The station route displaying all to-and-fro stations is not in accessible colour contrasts. 2. Toilet

2.1. For visually challenged, the tactile pathway leads to half way. Toilet is not accessible through tactile pathway

2.2. Once inside the toilet, a person with low vision cannot read the signage for

Accessible Toilet. Colour on the signage board is not of recommended contrast.

There is no Braille information on toilet door nor is the toilet door sliding / with alonger handle different from others, to know that it is an accessible toilet. Noseparate toilet entrance for women and men. Visually challenged may take thewrong direction, if there is no tactile signage on the door. It was said that there willbe somebody to assist. Not sure they will be for all the hours. But, still depending on

another is embarrassing. It may be questioned that how they are using other

stations and bus stand toilets. But, at least in new constructions let us followuniversal design standards and assist them.

2.3. The hand grip rails at Koyambedu station were sharp at the edges. The locking

system was different than Alandur.

2.4. The wash basin taps were sharp to hold and their handles were not as per

recommended standards.

3. Warning or Instructional boards near the escalator could not be read by persons with low

vision and are confusing for people with cognitive disabilities. Two or more colours used in

one board for same kind of information with not much pictorial signage is not user friendly.



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4. On the platforms, no information or directions to facilities like ATMs, Emergency contact numbers, helpline are displayed.

5. In the station, information regarding induction loop facility is not displayed prominently, but on top and cannot be noticed, until someone accidentally looks up and

sees it!

6. The signage (wheelchair symbol) for people with disabilities to board the train is not

prominent, the floor decal is too small and the tactile strip is too narrow for a person with

cane or low vision to stop easily before they get on to the edge of the platform.

7. The helpline numbers in the coach are not displayed in positions to immediately notice.

8. Press the button for calling driver is not as per accessible standards of display for low vision as well as persons with intellectual disabilities. No Braille instructions wereembossed.

9. The station name vinyls are flapping away at quite a height. No permanent display in

bigger sizes on walls on platforms to be read and understand by persons with low vision as well as cognitive difficulties. The You-are-at station boards are too small to get noticed ,placed almost just for namesake and not in colour standards for accessibility. Tactile maps

or diagrams are non-existent.

10. I am not sure whether there were direction signs for toilet locations for those on the

platform.

The only plus point was the staff who were courteous to assist us all the way up and down.

Given information, I believe at least the younger generation staff who accompanied us in

the audit trip got sensitized on accessibility requirements - this was a positive outcome.Unfortunately the ISL-trained staff did not seem to know basic minimum sign language

gestures.

The photos with captions (37 MB) can be downloaded from http://www.we.tl/BQehK0dJWK

3. V.S. SUNDER

ETERNAL OPTIMISM VS. REFUSAL TO ACCEPT REALITY

ETERNAL OPTIMISM: THE CMRL FLASHBACK

We at the `Disability Rights Alliance' (DRA) have been trying to work with the Chennai Metro

Rail for more than three years, trying to ensure that at least this mode of public transportmight possibly try to make sure to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. For

example, I have an email dated Jan 1, 2013, addressed to a CMRL official where I try to

describe a very dispiriting recce made by two of us from DRA of the CMBT Chennai Metro

which, according to The Hindu of Dec.18, 2012, was one of two stations whose structures

were then complete. This is what I said in that email:

It appears that (The Hindu's report notwithstanding), the station is likely to become

operational only around September. We asked the people at the site if we could look

at the drawings and check out such details as dimensions of elevators, toilets for the

disabled, gradients of ramps, etc.


http://www.we.tl/BQehK0dJWKhttp://www.we.tl/BQehK0dJWKhttp://www.we.tl/BQehK0dJWKhttp://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2015/07/eternal-optimism-or-refusal-to-accept-reality.htmlhttp://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2015/07/eternal-optimism-or-refusal-to-accept-reality.htmlhttp://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2015/07/eternal-optimism-or-refusal-to-accept-reality.htmlhttp://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2015/07/eternal-optimism-or-refusal-to-accept-reality.htmlhttp://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2015/07/eternal-optimism-or-refusal-to-accept-reality.htmlhttp://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2015/07/eternal-optimism-or-refusal-to-accept-reality.htmlhttp://www.we.tl/BQehK0dJWK


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Unfortunately, the drawings we could see did not have many of these details. I

wonder if it will be possible for you to send us an e-copy of the latest drawings,

complete with all details. In fact, some details such as dimensions and specifications -

right down to flooring slip resistance, lighting lumens etc, would be appreciated.

DRA’s requests as expressed from the start, included the following (in addition towhat was committed by Chennai Metro in its media release of May 2012)

Progress update on recommendations submitted so far

Transparency in sharing information to enable accurate inputs with the

group, or the appointment of an Accessibility Consultant to ensure the same.

- Disclosure to the public on what accessibility features will be present /

possible, and workaround suggestions for what will be inaccessible so that

the common passenger knows what to expect.

- Enable disabled citizens of this State to be apprised of CMRL progress by

making its website compliant as per GIGW / WCAG 2 guidelines.

- Ensure as far as possible, the following accessibility features as best

practice / compliance : as outlined by ACCESS FOR ALL - Best Practices

I, for my part, would like to make two specific requests/recommendations:

i. Can you please appoint an Accessibility consultant (such as Shivani Gupta of

AccessAbility, who is herself a wheelchair-user, in whose competence/

sensitivity almost every disabled person would have total confidence) to

ensure that our various concerns will be safeguarded?

ii.

Or if the above is not feasible for some reason, can you please provide us withan itemised list of how the various issues discussed in the attachment

Accessibility-Inputs-For-Chennai-Metro-Rail have been addressed by CMRL?

And we have been trying ever since to pin down CMRL to reassure us with plans that met

international accessibility standards ... and trying ... and trying!

Two-and-a-half years later, yet another member of DRA finally managed, after what must

have been a record number of phone-calls and emails, to extract a promise that several

officials of CMRL would meet with a bunch of us this Wednesday (24/06/15) at 4 pm. We

were all excited that we would finally have a chance to talk to them and get some details

before the metro becomes operational - since it is so expensive to retrofit something that

has already been constructed with serious drawbacks in its plans.

We then get an email sent by another of our colleagues - at 12.25 on Wednesday - that she

had just received a phone call from the CMRL office to tell her that “Due t o some urgent

calls by the Government the entire team had to do an urgent inspection and report of all the

stations. They have rescheduled the meeting for after the 5th of July.”

Now we learn the reason for the sudden cancellation: CM may launch the metro on Sunday,

yesterday's newspapers announced. So, as usual, we can only hope they got it right. In spite

of multiple requests that access audits be performed in advance, preferably by an access

expert who is herself a PwD, such requests are treated as mindless baying in the wind, and

they continue to make mistakes - and retro-fitting, being prohibitively expensive, will never

be considered - so that would be yet another opportunity lost.


http://rehabcouncil.nic.in/pdf/module3.pdfhttp://rehabcouncil.nic.in/pdf/module3.pdfhttp://rehabcouncil.nic.in/pdf/module3.pdfhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/81664585/Accessibility-Inputs-For-Chennai-Metro-Rail?in_collection=3490912http://www.scribd.com/doc/81664585/Accessibility-Inputs-For-Chennai-Metro-Rail?in_collection=3490912http://www.scribd.com/doc/81664585/Accessibility-Inputs-For-Chennai-Metro-Rail?in_collection=3490912http://rehabcouncil.nic.in/pdf/module3.pdf


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REFUSAL TO ACCEPT REALITY: R AILING AGAINST THE CURRENT STATE…

We finally got to do our access audit of Chennai Metro.

Rather than boring you with a blow-by-blow description of the evening, let me simply

mention the more glaring goofs.i. When the train comes to the platform, there is a non-trivial gap between the

rake and the platform - so much in fact that the little front wheels of manually

operated wheelchairs run a serious and dangerous risk of slipping into the

gap if, by chance, it rotates through 90 degrees, as is likely when it attempts

to navigate the 2-3 inch height difference between the platform and the floor

of the train.

In order to avoid the danger described above, it becomes necessary to turn

around and reverse into the train, as the front wheel is large and runs no such

danger; but this means propelling oneself up and backwards to get into the train.

Given that the train doors are open only for half a minute, and that there arelikely to be some fifty or more other `normal' people pushing every one and thing

in the way in order to get into the train, all this is not very encouraging to the

wheelchair user.

To add spice to the exercise, there is a Trishul-shaped object bang in the middle

between the doors on either side of the train, intended for people to hang on to,

which one should manoeuvre around, and find something to hang on to. There is

nothing like a seat belt which one can lock one's wheelchair to.

ii. The ticket counters are not low enough for use by people in a wheelchair. To

make matters worse, you cannot buy return ticket for A-B-A.iii. When we finally got to `B' (which was Koyambedu for us), I needed to use a

toilet. A helpful Samaritan told me there were toilets at both `concourse' and

`platform' levels, while we needed to go the `concourse' level to buy tickets to

get back to A' (Alandur). And there was no sign at platform level as to where one

may find the elusive toilets.

iv. So I go down to the Concourse level; and the first problem was getting past the

turnstile. As our group had got separated when we boarded the train at Alandur,

we had stopped at an intermediate station, to get into a later train they must all

be coming on. And then, I learnt you should complete the travel from A to B

within prescribed time-limits. So when I inserted by token in the turnstile, it

wouldn't open. I would have learnt the reason for this if my wheelchair had been

a few feet taller, when I would have been able to see a red light flashing and a

sign explaining why it was flashing. One of the people who was `escorting' me

told me this as also where I should go to pay the excess fine of some Rs. 10 in

order to get through.

v. By now, I am ready to use that toilet, and am directed to a `Gents' toilet, which is

clearly not accessible. When I find no signs which may give me a clue, I ask

somebody who tells me the only disabled friendly is on the platform level!

Meanwhile, I've got to go! So I go to the gents' toilet, and find, on opening thedoor, that I have to walk across a room which has two wash basins and water all



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over the floor, which I need to gingerly negotiate before going to the room with

the WC.

vi. After all this, and rubbing my wet hands on my jeans rather than use the

unappetising towel next to the wash-basin, I bought my ticket to Alandur prior to

ascending to the platform level and joining my friends.And could not get home soon enough, to lick my wounds after this thoroughly demoralising

experience.

4. SMITHA SADASIVAN

a) TOILET:

The tactile path did not guide a person till the commode in toilet. The door locks

were high for wheel chair users. The doors to accessible toilets are narrow and

huge and cannot be managed by a wheel chair user on his / her own. A wheel

chair user cannot reach the flush button on the wall above the commode orwash face at sink due to a handrail around the sink.

b) LIFT:

The buttons in the lift were also high for wheel chair users though there was

Braille embossment on the switches. The emergency call button took a long time

to answer and when someone answered it was not audible for wheel chair users

inside the lift though the person at the other end is able to hear us well and was

answering the call. There is no guidance for people with hearing impairment as

to how to connect with whom in case of emergency.

c) EMERGENCY AID:There is a written message saying, in case of emergency, use stairs. But there is

no mention of alternate arrangement for people with disabilities in case of

emergencies. On the platform, when the emergency glass is broken and call is

made, none attended the call from the other end. It was high too for wheel chair

user.

d) DISPLAY MESSAGES:

Signs and Braille embossment for many displayed messages were missing. The

colour contrast was dull and font was smaller at different points where written

messages were displayed.e) SIGN LANGUAGE:

A small part of the work force had been provided with a very short sign language

interpretation training but is single handed whereas most of Indians sign with

both hands. The one employee who managed to sign was very slowly signing

alphabets only in single hand which doesn’t help a conversation. There needs to

be professional training and repeated practice sessions every day for 20 minutes

to keep them on pace with signing.

f) ENTRY TO TRAIN:

There was a considerable gap between the train and platform where a wheel

chair user cannot navigate himself/herself. There is no mechanism outside the

P a g e 1 0 o f 1 4 6 D R A s u b m i s s i o n s t o C M R L b i t . l y / D r a 2 C m r l


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train to delay the stoppage of train for more than a minute while a person with

disability or a group of them are entering the train. There is only a button for

stopping train for more duration from inside.

g) TICKET COUNTERS, TOKENS, TICKET VENDING MACHINE, TOKEN GATE WAYS,etc were inaccessible for Ummul and other friends who had limited hand

function or used low wheel chairs.

5. R AJIV R AJAN

The DRA campaign with the CMRL authorities started with a meeting the PRO of CMRL 3

years ago. He assured that all international standards of accessibility will be followed in the

multiple crore city transport project. He also asked the members to give the requirements

as a submission and he will try to include it in their plan. We had a series of meetings after

the first one including with the CMD. The project authorities refused to share the blue print

of the construction plan when wanted to have a look and give our ideas according to theplan. They started to avoid us beyond a point. We continued trying to work until June-end

when we had a meeting with the coach interior design team and discovered that the

emergency call system was not accessible.

I had one of my worst nightmares coming true on the day when the DRA team took a trial

trip in CMRL. Toilets in Alandur and Koyambedu stations were totally inaccessible for

wheelchair users. The tactile path way was broken with no connections between them at

many places. The cane that guides people with visual impairment could get stuck in holes on

the floor of Koyambedu Station. Front wheel of a wheelchair got stuck in between the train

and platform. Signages at various places were totally inaccessible for people with low vision.

There was no sign language interpreter available at the stations. Ticket counters were not

accessible for wheelchair users. The polished floor was too slippery for crutch users. All in all

it was one of my worst nightmares coming true. Where are the international accessibility

standards that were promised to us? I think the entire team of CMRL should take a trip to

South Korea to understand what the international standards are like. Why in India alone

there is such a wide gap between policy and implementation? Is it because the authorities

don't care about 10 percent of the population? Why there has to be such a big gap between

the cup and the lip?



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APPENDIX 2

KEY CONCERNS & COMMITMENTS NOT KEPT

Contents

KEY CONCERNS: ................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 A. INDEPENDENT TRAVEL RENDERED IMPOSSIBLE BY NON-COMPLIANT DESIGN: ............................................... ...................... 2

B. SAFETY FROM HAZARDS AND POTENTIAL INJURY: ............................ ............................... ................................ .......................... 2

C. INEFFICIENT, INCOMPLETE INFORMATION CHANNELS ..................................................... ............................... ........................... 2

D. RAIL COACH ERGONOMIC FLAWS: ............................. ............................... ................................ .............................. ...................... 2

COMMITMENTS NOT KEPT ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

Guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment for disabled and elderly persons ....................... 3

[A] IN METRO STATIONS: ............................................................................................................................................................... 3

DRA OBSERVATION .................................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. Signages within and outside the Station ............................ ............................... .............................. ................................ ........... 3

3. Non slippery floors and well lit passages. ......................................................... .............................. ................................ ........... 4

4. Convenient design of station structure for free movement. ................................ ................................ .............................. ........... 4

5. Dedicated tactile tiles to access for the functional areas and platforms. ............................ ................................ .......................... 5

6. Bumpy tiles to alert customers who are blind or have low vision that they are nearing the edge of the platform. .......................... 5

7. Accessible toilets. ....... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... . 6

8. Ticket issuing window and Ticket Vending Machine counters with accessible heights. ..... ...... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ...... 7

9. Dedicated Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates. ................................ ................................ ............................... ..................... 8

10. Induction loops at ticket counters for hearing impaired passengers. ................................ ................................ ........................... 8

11. Simple and Uniform Terminal Design avoiding glossy surfaces/glasses. .......................... ................................ .......................... 8

12. Ramp as per standards and with handrail. ...................................... ............................... ................................ ........................... 8

13. Adequate landing space at the start and end of every ramp. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... . 8

14. Stair cases as per standards with handrails..................................... ............................... ................................ ........................... 9

15. Steps with contrasting coloured nosing or anti skidding tiles at the edge of the steps will be provided for easy access. ..... ..... .... 9

[B] IN LIFTS: ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Lift in street level at convenient location and lift facility within the station. ..................................................... ................................ ........... 9

Lift cars with required space and wide doors. ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. ........... 9 Audio announcement and Braille facilities within lift. Signs printed in Braille in the lifts to indicate floors as well as visual/ audibleannouncements. ................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Grip rails on 3 walls inside the elevator car. ............................................. ............................... ............................... ............................... . 9

Elevator control buttons positioned at convenient heights. ............................. ............................... ................................ .......................... 9

[C] COACHES: .....................................................................................................................................................................................10

General ...............................................................................................................................................................................................10

Wheelchair Egress Request .......................................... ............................... .............................. ................................ ..........................12

CAUTION : VISUAL DESIGN ..................................................................................................................................................13


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Page 2 of 13

KEY CONCERNS

These are the key concerns that need immediate or timebound redressal:

A. INDEPENDENT TRAVEL RENDERED IMPOSSIBLE BY NON-

COMPLIANT DESIGN:

As things stand today, visiting a Chennai Metro station with its significant barriers outlined in

Appendix 2 is impossible for a visually impaired cane user or a wheelchair user unless they are

escorted. This redundancy needs to be reduced so that travellers are as independent as possible

and so that avoidable cost. Crucial problems include: structural design errors in toilets, gap

between train and platform, incorrect height of equipment service buttons and patchy tactile

pathways.

Even the dated CPWD guidelines have been serially violated.

Similarly, crutch users, the Deaf, people with low vision, short people, etc could also be forced into

dependence on support - the reasons being slippery flooring, lack of sign language assistance,

height of buttons/switches/counters, inadequate colour contrast and font size of displayed writteninformation, etc.

B. SAFETY FROM HAZARDS AND POTENTIAL INJURY: Complaints

have been received from senior citizens and public at large about near-falls on the glossy, reflective

highly slippery floor surfaces in the stations. Crutch users are exhausted with the effort involved in

ensuring their crutch and legs don’t slip. The lack of uniform diffused lighting adds to the overall

glare as does the lack of attention to sufficient colour contrast. Why has polished granite with its

high cost and poor slip resistance under even the best conditions been used? Emergency refuge

points have not been planned for situations when lifts cannot be used. With current placement ofplatform edge warning tiles chances of a visually impaired person falling on the tracks is extremely

high.

C. INEFFICIENT, INCOMPLETE INFORMATION CHANNELS: The

signage design lacks adequate colour contrast even without taking into consideration the

interaction of material type, reflectance, illumination, viewing angle and distance. Tactile signage

when it is rarely present has not taken into account localisation usability tweaks needed in India.

Inadequate / lack of sign language assistance for the Deaf, absence of audio induction loop for

hearing aid users and inadequate colour contrast and font size on display information pose barriers.

Audio and tactile feedback has not been consistently applied to the detriment of the blind and

deaf-blind. The customer care is not aware of details of services that will be offered ex: availability

of wheelchairs, boarding assistance, mobile ramp to get into the train, communication on

assistance required to the destination station etc,

D. RAIL COACH ERGONOMIC FLAWS: The grab pole situated at wheelchair

entrance is a barrier to wheelchair manoeuvring as well as a hazard for visually impaired travellers

who risk banging into the same when boarding in a hurry. Fixes to the accessibility errors pointed

out already by DRA in the past have not been implemented for eg. folding seat impracticality.

Additionally the (currently non-functioning) emergency intercom and long stop button are

confusing in user interface.



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Page 3 of 13

DRA OBSERVATION: While DRA has urged from 2011, the need to follow principles of

Universal Design, CMRL’s commitment reassured that at least infrastructural

components of the service would be of a particular quality standard.

(One must point out here that India’s 1998 guidelines are outdated and myopic in their

focus on the built environment alone instead of the entire service continuum)

As DRA’s preliminary access walkthrough indicates, these basic standards themselves

have been flouted.

Pictogram contrast insufficient,

made worse by excessive

reflectance / uneven lighting glare

COMMITMENTS NOT KEPT

CMRL MEDIA RELEASE OF 2012 ANNOTATED WITH POST INAUGURATION OBSERVATIONS BY DRA 3-7-15

CMRL PRESS RELEASE 2012:”Facilities Planned for Physically

Challenged Persons in Chennai Metro Stations and Coaches”

GUIDELINES AND SPACE STANDARDS FOR BARRIER FREE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR DISABLED AND ELDERLY PERSONS

The facilities for Physically Challenged persons within the station will generally beprovided based on Guidelines and space standards for Barrier Free Built Environment

for Disabled and Elderly Persons". Also, the design in general will be in accordance

with "Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled

and Elderly Persons", Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Urban Affairs &

Employment, 1998. The following facilities are planned to be provided within the

station for Physically Challenged Persons:

[A] IN METRO STATIONS:

1. SIGNAGES WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE STATION

2. Dedicated parking space subject to space availability.

- NIL –

Signs lit patchily, pictograms

are incompletely displayed



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Page 4 of 13

3. NON SLIPPERY FLOORS AND WELL LIT PASSAGES.

4. CONVENIENT DESIGN OF STATION STRUCTURE FOR FREE MOVEMENT.

Worst possible floor surface material has been used. And then polished to a high gloss. Non-diffused

illuminance and resultant glare and retro-reflectance further confuses. This is a travesty!

When selecting colours, designers and managers of buildings can have a major impact on the ability of

visually impaired people to use buildings. Two colours that contrast sharply to someone with normal

vision may be far less distinguishable to someone with a visual impairment. Therefore the contrast

between, for example door surrounds and walls must achieve a certain level - measured by its light

reflectance value (LRV).

The minimum requirements for colour contrast are as follows: LRV of wall should be 30 points

different from that of the floor and the ceiling. Skirting should have same LRV as wall. LRV of door

surround (architrave and frame) should be 30 points different from that of the wall. Door surround

and door can be the same or different colours. It is the surround that should contrast with the wall. .

The purpose of this is that if the door is open and the wall in the background and foreground are the

same colour the door opening can still be identified. LRV of the door furniture should be 15 points

different from that of the door.

No colour or luminance contrast between walls

and floors, and between walls and ceilings. Mirrorreflections and glare further confuse.



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Page 5 of 13

5. DEDICATED TACTILE TILES TO ACCESS FOR THE FUNCTIONAL AREAS AND PLATFORMS .

6. BUMPY TILES TO ALERT CUSTOMERS WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION THAT THEY ARE NEARING THE EDGE OF

THE PLATFORM.

The platform should

have one row ofdotted uidin blocks for ersons with im aired vision, 800 mm. or more from the ed e.

Not only are TWSI warning blocks required for the length of the platform, with a 30 cm width row there

are cases in which a blind person falls from the platform as he or she steps over a TGSI installed near the

platform edge without recognizing it. The width of the platform edge warning should be a row of 60 cm

dotted tactile blocks.

Also there must be a distance of 80 to 100 cm from the front end of the TGSI to the platform edge for a

blind person to be able to stop after recognizing the TGSI.

Tactile walking surface indicators are available in fits and starts and are not available to guide people to

the toilets for example.



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Page 6 of 13

7. ACCESSIBLE TOILETS.

TOILETS Page 43 http://bit.ly/CpwdGuidelines

Light-weight PVC door shutter should be provided as a sliding door

Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons

Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Urban Affairs & Employment 1998

• The main toilet door is too heavy to push / pull for a person with Cerebral Palsy or for a calliper / crutch

user.

• Once inside the toilet of Alandur station, the toilet door entrance is too narrow. Where ideallydimensions could cater to power wheelchairs, - not even a medium adult wheel chair could enter.

• The latch to close door is on top not reachable for wheel chair / crutch / calliper or somebody with a

height of or below 4 ft.

• Grip rail availability was random. One toilet, not in the picture had no grab rails making access to even

the sink impossible. Where available, the sharp edges rendered them unsafe.

• The hygiene faucet and flush button are not easily accessible.

Reaching hygiene faucet

requires contortions !

Shoes removed as wet flooroffered no slip resistance

Very sharp edges on

grab rails are unsafe



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Page 7 of 13

8. TICKET ISSUING WINDOW AND TICKET VENDING MACHINE COUNTERS WITH ACCESSIBLE HEIGHTS.

COUNTERS, VENDING MACHINES Page 49 http://bit.ly/CpwdGuidelinesA minimum of 1 lowered service counter and 1 lowered vending machine on the premises.

Counter height not > 850 mm with space 350 mm deep and 700 mm high underneath

Coin slots of vending machines etc. to be located no higher than 1200 mm.

Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons

Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Urban Affairs & Employment 1998

A minimum of 1 lowered service counter and 1 disbursing machine on the premises.

Counter heights should not be in excess of 850 mm.

Allow a space at least 350 mm deep and 700 mm high under a counter, stand, etc.

Make sure that the coin slots of vending machines etc. are no higher than 1200 mm.

A knee recess beneath the ticket vending machines should be provided.

Install guiding blocks 300 mm. away from the vending machine for visually impaired.

The fare buttons, cancel buttons and other information buttons should be written in Braille or in

a distinct relief pattern.www.bit.ly/CpwdGuidelines



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Page 8 of 13

9. DEDICATED AUTOMATIC FARE COLLECTION (AFC) GATES.

10. INDUCTION LOOPS AT TICKET COUNTERS FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PASSENGERS.

11. SIMPLE AND UNIFORM TERMINAL DESIGN AVOIDING GLOSSY SURFACES/GLASSES.

Refer No 3: NON SLIPPERY FLOORS AND WELL LIT PASSAGES.

No 4: CONVENIENT DESIGN OF STATION STRUCTURE FOR FREE MOVEMENT

12. RAMP AS PER STANDARDS AND WITH HANDRAIL.

13. ADEQUATE LANDING SPACE AT THE START AND END OF EVERY RAMP.

AFCs are much too high for people on wheelchairs – Ummul on the left is shorter than Smitha who is

5’5” – both are unable to see location to tap token. This could have been easily avoided by having

the validation area on front on the machine instead of the top.

At Alandur, the ramp on the front side starts on the pavement which is not accessible. People directed us

to take the side entrance in the parking area.

The only induction loop spotted…high away where none can see it 8 feet high! Where are the

induction loops at ticket counters? The real-world functioning of this is to be tested.



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Page 9 of 13

Maximum number of risers on a flight shall be limited to 12.

www.bit.ly/CpwdGuidelines

14. STAIR CASES AS PER STANDARDS WITH HANDRAILS.

15. STEPS WITH CONTRASTING COLOURED NOSING OR ANTI SKIDDING TILES AT THE EDGE OF THE STEPS WILL BE

PROVIDED FOR EASY ACCESS.

16. Adequate seating arrangement in platform

- To be checked

[B] IN LIFTS:

15 risers instead of 12

No colour contrast

on anti-skid nosing

LIFT IN STREET LEVEL AT CONVENIENT

LOCATION AND LIFT FACILITY WITHIN THE

STATION.

LIFT CARS WITH REQUIRED SPACE AND WIDE

DOORS.

AUDIO ANNOUNCEMENT AND BRAILLE

FACILITIES WITHIN LIFT. SIGNS PRINTED IN

BRAILLE IN THE LIFTS TO INDICATE FLOORS AS

WELL AS VISUAL/ AUDIBLE ANNOUNCEMENTS.

GRIP RAILS ON 3 WALLS INSIDE THE ELEVATOR

CAR.

ELEVATOR CONTROL BUTTONS POSITIONED AT

CONVENIENT HEIGHTS.



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Page 10 of 13

[C] COACHES:

GENERAL

1. DEDICATED SEATING FACILITIES IN THE TRAIN .

Braille unevenly embossed

Unreachable from

wheelchair

Yellow flashing 'BUSY' light

w/o audio or tactile

equivalent

No pictogram for non-

English / cognitivelydisabled

Braille is English contracted

which is unknown by

majority.

Also Braille available only

for button, not label

While button is raised, the

letters in relief aren't

outlined hence poorly

contrasted

No tactile / audio equivalent of button-pressed illumination.

Emergency intercom w/o video excludes deaf /deaf-blind etc

Music playing. ambient noise makes announcement inaudible

No clarity on usage of alarm vs emergency intercom

Vertical panel installed instead of horizontal –range not to > 900-1100 mm from floor

Note the strange location of the International accessibility sign tucked away near the ceiling likesomething to be ashamed about!



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Page 11 of 13

2. EASY ACCESS TO THE CARS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, INCLUDING WHEELCHAIR USERS, SHALL BE PROVIDED

THROUGH THE SIDE DOORS.

3. The rake shall be a high-floor design, with level boarding from platforms.

While this standing pole is useful for people entering

and exiting to grab for safety / stability, its position

could perhaps be relocated in coaches which have

wheelchair spaces.

Apart from it being a barrier to manoeuvring forwheelchair users, it is a hazard for visually impaired

passengers who may walk straight into it while

boarding.



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Page 12 of 13

(CAPTIONS - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT)

a) The gap is enough to impede independent travel for a wheelchair user

b) …Unless they use a power wheelchair (Sunder faced no issue apart from dodging the pole, but his

wheelchair ran out of battery by end evening and India is yet to see wheelchair recharging

stations)

c) Meenakshi got stuck going in and required help to get back on platform. Even when attempting

backwards entry she was unable to board independently despite attempts at leverage and

considerable effort.

d) Smitha required assistance to board within the specified time, even then her assistant had to exert

significant effort at negotiating the gap.

WHEELCHAIR EGRESS REQUEST

i. A wheelchair egress request signal shall be provided which shall permit apassenger in any car of a train to alert the operator to stop the car for

a prolonged time to enable wheelchair passengers to exit the train. This

system shall be ADA compliant and accessible to wheelchair-seated

passengers.

ii. The stop request shall consist of the following and shall be inhibitedwhen doors are open.

iii. Stop-request strips shall be located at wheelchair accommodations.

iv. An audible-non-repeating chime and alarm light shall be installed in each

operator’s cab area.

4. Wheelchair and mobility-impaired boarding shall not require the use ofbridging or lifting devices.

5. The horizontal gap between the passenger door thresholds and platformedge at rest shall not exceed 50 mm in nominal operating conditions, and

75 mm maximum.

6. The maximum vertical gap between the passenger door thresholds andplatform edge shall not exceed 31 mm in nominal operating conditions. In

no cases (including the worst operating conditions) shall the top

surface of the horizontal threshold of the car be lower than the top

edge of the platform. The gap between platform and the rail car enables

wheelchair users to enter and exit the train safely.

7. At least two wheelchair parking areas shall be available in each drivercar of the 4-car rakes. Four seats shall be available for the elderly

and handicapped passengers in all driver car ends.

8. Seats shall be provided for handicapped persons.

9. The designated areas for wheelchair parking shall be located adjacent to

an accessible entrance and shall be compliant with all ADA requirements.

10. Wheelchair users must be able to exit the car from any wheelchairparking position through either of at least two accessible doors (on the

same side of the train).

A twin provision to be made for passengers with reduced mobility on the platform to enable to the

maximum extent possible, independence in boarding and deboarding.



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Page 13 of 13

SIGNAGES, Page 44 http://www.bit.ly/CpwdGuidelines

Signs should be in contrasting colours and preferably be embossed in distinct relief to allow visually impaired persons to

obtain the information they contain by touching them. The size, type and layout of lettering on signs shall be clear and

legible.

Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Urban Affairs & Employment, 1998.

Poor interface, confusing UX,

not yet functional, cramped

lettering, no relief / Braille

embossing, not high contrast,

no tactile / audio feedback,

deaf-blind needs ignored

VERDICT : FAIL

DRA expresses grave concern over

the signage colour palette as usability has been

compromised. Contrast tests of recommended

combinations have mostly failed in compliance.

Size norms have been ignored too with grossly

limiting consequences.

CAUTION VISUAL DESIGN



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http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA-blue-v.eps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBirtzbYc0ZhZFHHvo2OWqf88E-Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA-blue-v.svg&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF6SUtj0zqH1A7p9Bk_FnMFPCzJxghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA-blue.gif&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDgpVZQV4MPcsM_bBs6-65R1nSKghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA-blue.png&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEkESFqf-ZNqOXoClaxqBKcIExfqghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA-blue-v.eps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4tZJf08knbxzGSUzysBbtWP9P8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA-blue-v.svg&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEkQl_baM0sJuN83bHpQs_GPO77Kghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA-blue.gif&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYmND_zHS-rglBJ1L7Hg60Z8hlfwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA-blue.png&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgsdVbh8jfgLEOA81xZTxX20oWZghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A-blue-v.eps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXWuHXtusm6FJhkH5w4dGEWqStWghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A-blue-v.svg&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFCkGUGZw0oW2KV0LYZURoeSrgdyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A-blue.gif&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGE1ftAM0sg_RPe7JgjPGz1O_PrgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A-blue.png&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGe40EfT69B9PykRSicN3e0lX_WAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA-v.eps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElLri59UJyBChxqdJTR9VDju6eKghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA-v.svg&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGsQ047HZswYC14G0cFh-p6GYYFVQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA.gif&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEIMD1XPnO5U8ixiBAeTBWl6-RXWQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AAA.png&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHQ1-JcRRPoUflDrF4EvChk9tcPBQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA-v.eps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEVF3Jaj8YYkLS6CHgtlCcJh4D-HQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA-v.svg&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaw3Zm-CVTj2gy-NjzeaSDULePGwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA.gif&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFeHySIEpEBii7NeG5_xw7nN5bCtwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2AA.png&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG7hzYPVXhfJ5JO2jJ6oah4Xr8ubQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A-v.eps&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHaGWJBh-oQ8b9P7PEGLoB3POD_lAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A-v.svg&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEOiNk8RGs4bEWN--wwfvtrAQ7sFAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A.gif&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG92aRe6mLKqhNj97ZB0smqtBaTRwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2Fwcag2A.png&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFrvp9tV0mvuIC5PNS6ttCZdfQklAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FWAI%2FWCAG2-Conformance&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEwM7iqP2bu7LZUrQAxMuZXSN_IgQ


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http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=37http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=25http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=49http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=49http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=40http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=46http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=25http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=43http://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=70


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http://www.indiamart.com/classiccoachbuilders/products.html#school-bus%20|https://araiindia.com/hmr/Control/AIS/1230201344015PMDraft_AIS017_Part1_Rev1-D1.pdfhttp://www.alimco.in/content/841_1_WheelChairs.aspxhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/87732836/CPWD-Barrier-Free-Access-PwD-Urban-Development-Ministry-India-1998#page=39


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Disability Rights Alliance (Tamil Nadu) [email protected] Version dated 15-Feb-2012

ACCESSIBLE CHENNAI METRO

INFRASTRUCTURE CHECKLIST

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller



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— Ends of platforms— Boarding aids— Level track crossings Additional rules to be followed as per

● C.P.W.D. design guidelines published by the Ministry of Urban Development,

● ‘Planning a Barrier Free Environment’ published by the Office of the Chief Commissioner, Ministry ofSocial Justice and Empowerment

● Accessibility chapter in the National Building Code (2005) by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Parking

Where a station specific parking area exists, there shall be parking spaces reserved for PRM eligible to utilisedisabled parking spaces at the nearest practicable position, within the parking area, to an accessible entrance.Other specific requirements applying to parking spaces include, but are not limited to: — the number of

spaces, access, location, dimensions, materials, colours, signing and lighting.

Obstacle-free route An obstacle free route is a route that can be freely navigated by all categories of PRM. It may include ramps or

lifts where these are constructed. A minimum of one obstacle free route shall be provided that interconnectsthe following points and services if provided:

— Stopping points for other connecting modes of transport within the station confines (for example, taxi,bus, metro, etc.);— Car parks— Accessible entrances and exits— Information desks— Other information systems— Ticketing facilities— Customer assistance— Waiting areas

— Left luggage facilities;— Toilet facilities— Platforms All obstacle-free routes, stairs, footbridges and subways, shall have a free width of a minimum of 1 600 mm,with a minimum headroom of 2 300 mm over the entire width of 1 600 mm. The minimum widthrequirement does not take into account additional width that may be required for passenger flows. Thisrequirement is not applicable to escalators, travelators and lifts.The length of the obstacle-free routes shall be the shortest practical distance.Obstacle-free routes floor surfaces shall have anti-reflecting properties.Design shall incorporate provision for future installations of lift and/or ramps to ensure accessibility during

modifications.




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Route identificationObstacle-free routes shall be clearly identified by visual information as detailed in appendix..

Information on the obstacle-free route shall be given to visually impaired people by a minimum of one of the

following means: e.g. tactile paths, audible, tactile signs, talking signs, Braille maps.

If a tactile path is installed it shall be provided along the full length of the obstacle-free route(s).

If there are handrails or walls within reach along the obstacle-free route to the platform, they shall have brief

information (for example platform-number or direction-information) in Braille and in prismatic-letters or

numbers at the rear of the handrail, or on the wall at a height between 850 mm and 1 000 mm. Numbers

and arrows are the only permissible tactile pictograms.

Doors and entrancesThis clause applies to all doors and entrances that are on obstacle-free routes. A minimum of one accessible entrance to the station, and one accessible entrance to the platforms shall beprovided.Doors and entrances shall have a minimum clear opening width of 800 mm, free headroom of 2 100 mm.It is permitted to use either manual, semi-automatic or automatic doors.Door operating devices shall be available at a height of between 800 mm and 1 200 mm.Manual, non-sliding doors shall be provided with horizontal push bars, extending across the full width of thedoor, on both sides of the door. Automatic and semi-automatic doors shall incorporate devices that prevent passengers becoming trappedduring operation of the doors.If pushbuttons or other remote control devices are provided for operation of doors then each pushbutton or device shall contrast with its surroundings and shall be operable by a force not greater than 15 Newtons.If both open and closed pushbuttons are fitted one above the other, the top button shall always be the opencontrol.The centre of the control shall be not less than 800 mm and not more than 1 200 mm vertically above floor level.Such controls shall be identifiable by touch (for example tactile markings) and shall indicate the functionality.The force required to open or close a manual door, under wind-free conditions, shall not exceed 25 Newtons.To latch or unlatch a manual door the handle shall be operable by the palm of the hand exerting a force notexceeding 20 Newtons.Where a revolving door is used, an additional non-revolving door shall be provided, that is freely available for use, adjacent to the revolving door.

At doors and entrances thresholds shall not be higher than 25 mm. Where thresholds are installed, they shallcontrast in colour with the immediate background.

Floor surfaces All floor surfaces shall be slip resistant in accordance with National Rules for public buildings.Within the station buildings there shall be no irregularities in excess of 5 mm at any given point in floor walking surface areas, except for tactile guiding paths, drainage channels and tactile warning indicators.

Transparent ObstaclesTransparent obstacles on or along the main routes used by passengers, consisting of glass doors or transparent walls, shall be marked with at least two prominent bands made of signs, logos, emblems or



dra cmrl compilation of submissions till 20150825

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