Passenger-friendly approach: Lifts and escalators provide ease of access for passengers at railway stations
Southern Railway consistently improves passenger amenities at various railway stations. In view of the ever increasing passenger volumes, the zone emphasizes the proliferation of lifts and escalators at major stations for safe and convenient entry and exit for passengers, as well as for ease of cross-navigation within the railway facilities. Lifts and escalators installed at vantage points inside railway stations facilitate safe mobility for the elderly, the differently-abled and those in need of medical care.
Provision of Lift facility
Southern Railway has provided a total of 118 lifts at various railway stations (till November 2022). As for the division-wise numbers, 50 lifts at 24 stations in Chennai Division, 24 lifts at 11 stations in Palakkad Division, 21 lifts at 11 stations in Thiruvananthapuram Division, 11 lifts at 5 stations in Salem Division, 9 lifts at 3 stations in Madurai Division and 3 lifts at Tiruchchirappalli Junction in Tiruchchirappalli Division, have been provided.
Presently, 75 lifts are functional at various stations in Tamil Nadu, 39 lifts in Kerala stations and 4 lifts in Southern Railway jurisdiction over Karnataka.
During the current financial year upto November 2022, ten (10) lifts have been commissioned which include 3 Nos. of lifts at Chennai Egmore, 3 Nos. at Basin Bridge, 3 Nos. at Tiruchchirappalli Jn and 1 No. at Kayankulam Jn. In addition, erection of lifts is in progress at 31 railway stations and are planned to be commissioned by the end of the financial year 2022-23. Most of the lift works are in the final stages of completion. Further, it is proposed to provide 122 lifts during 2023-24.
The approximate cost of providing one unit of lift facility is Rs 50 lakhs.
Commissioning of Escalators
Southern Railway has a total of 134 escalators functional at various railway stations (till November 2022). There are 62 escalators at 21 stations in Chennai Division, 30 escalators at 12 stations in Thiruvananthapuram Division, 13 escalators at 6 stations in Palakkad Division, 12 escalators at 4 stations in Salem Division, 9 escalators at 2 stations in Tiruchchirappalli Division and 8 escalators at 2 stations in Madurai Division.
Presently, 93 escalators in Tamil Nadu stations, 39 escalators in Kerala stations are available for the use of passengers while 2 escalators are available at Karnataka region of Southern Railway.
During the current financial year 2022-23, it is proposed to commission 3 Nos. Of escalators at various stations. Further, it is proposed to provide 7 escalators during 2023-24.
The approximate cost of commissioning one unit of escalator is Rs. 1.1 Crores and these escalators are equipped to handle 100 passengers/minute safely.
Southern Railway reiterates its commitment to the service of passengers by consistently providing improved amenities at railway stations.
