Lack of passenger amenities in the Tambaram terminal is creating issues for senior citizens
Posted on: 06/Jul/2018 10:02:31 AM
Tambaram railway station is an important station in Chennai and many passengers arrive here from many southern districts is known. The latest news is the senior citizens find it very difficult as the medical facilities on the platforms are not up to the mark. It must not be forgotten that just last week an elderly woman got down from the Pothigai Express train and she collapsed suddenly after taking few steps. Immediate medical treatment could not be given to her and this made her relatives very angry.
This Tambaram railway station recently attracted the attention of many and was spoken in high esteem when it was announced as the third terminal of Chennai Railway Division. There are couple of trains that are operated from this station to southern districts. This is highly beneficial for many people residing in Tambaram and its surrounding places.
This Tambaram terminal is considered as the gateway to South now and soon the number of passengers using this terminal is expected to increase. Inspite of this, the facilities available on the platform are not adequate and is a cause for worry.
On the platforms 7 and 8 the trains to south depart and arrive in this Tambaram terminal is known. It is now revealed by a frequent traveller Mr. Viswanathan, who is also the convenor of the Chitlapakkam Residents Association Coordination Committee, that wheelchairs plus stretchers are available at the eastern side of the station but not on the platforms 7 and 8. The passengers depend upon the porters to help them and it takes time in the times of emergency. One more issue is the passengers were made to drag the wheelchairs towards northern side as the provisions have been made for that only.
Mr. Viswanathan later threw light on how the staircase was very steep and the senior citizens find it difficult to climb those. He spoke about how an escalator at the platforms 7 and 8 would be highly beneficial for the senior persons. On the eastern side, the railways have not allotted space for the arrival and departure of call taxis or other private vehicles and just auto rickshaws were allowed. This is totally different from the western side where the above mentioned modes of transport were allowed. He later explained that for the senior citizens to have problem free visit to the station space should be provide for cabs etc.
According to an officer of the railways, the wheel chairs and stretchers are available at the western entrance of the Tambaram station. The ID cards must be submitted by the passengers to utilize them. He highlighted that an ambulance was also available on call at the western entrance and porters could be approached to make use of these facilities.
