Metro Stations Chennai 2

Access Audit Team: Samarthyam

 Access Audit Report 3

City: Chennai
Name of the building : Arumbakkam Metro Station
Building type and use : Public Transport
Introduction :
• Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is launched by the Department of Empowerment of
Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment as a nationwide flagship campaign for
achieving universal accessibility for persons with disabilities. The campaign focuses on Built Environment,
Public Transportation and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). As part of the vertical on
Built Environment, the existing building is access audited to be made accessible & inclusive for persons
with disabilities.
• Aim: to highlight access initiatives, which are non negotiable, and shall be provided for all services and
facilities.
• Access Audit Report: is prepared with line illustrations, designs and sketches for successful
implementation. The recommendations of the access audit are based on ground realities and cost effective
solutions are provided. Checklist with access standards should be read in conjunction with this report.
Numbering in the report is provided as per the numbers in checklist.
• Access Standards: “Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for
Persons with Disabilities and Elderly Persons” 2016 by Ministry of Urban Development are sited. All
measurements are in millimeters (mm).
• Acknowledgements: State Commissioner for Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu
 Executive Summary 4

Arumbakkam Metro Station

Mandatory Implementation:
• All stations should be well connected with multimodal transport modes.
• Pedestrian environment with in 500m of the metro stations should enhance WalkAbility of All passengers
• Public utilities such as toilets, shopping kiosks, paratransit and cycle stands should be within 300m of the
station.
• For passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility, all amenities including accessible parking, station
entry and toilets, etc. should be well connected with least possible walking, preferably upto 50m.
• Feeder system to metro stations should be accessible for persons using mobility aids.
• Waiting areas, resting benches should be provided under shade for persons with disabilities and reduced
mobility.
• Skywalks/ elevated walkways should have accessible facilities such as ramp and or lift for passengers with
disabilities and reduced mobility.
• All amenities including shops, snack kiosks, ATMs, etc. should be universally accessible and without any level
difference.
• Tactile paving configuration should be as per the standards and warning pavers are essential
• All lifts to have audio announcement and Braille symbols
• All emergency evacuation measures planned for above and under ground metro stations should be disability
inclusive. Evacuation system for persons with disabilities should be integrated in the planning.
• Disability Inclusive Training should form the base of all Metro staff, security guards, Metro Sahayaks and
ticketing staff, etc.
 5
External Environment
1. Parking
Existing
• Area outside the metro station being used as a parking lot.
• Visitors parking is provided however, there is no signage for accessible parking
• Area near the ramp entry to be demarcated and reserved for accessible parking
Total number of parking spaces in open car parks or car Required minimum number of
park buildings: accessible spaces:
1 to 25 1
26 to 50 2
51 to 75 3
76 to 100 4

Space identified for accessible parking Proposed bay design

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1. Accessible Parking
• Accessible parking should be with in 30meters of the main entrance.
• Overall minimum dimension 3600mm x 5000mm, including aisle space of 1200mm.
• On the route from the entrance to the accessible parking spaces, signs should indicate the
whereabouts of accessible parking by the international symbol of accessibility.
•These signs should be positioned at 2100mm height, so that they can be seen even if cars are
parked in the vicinity and shall be 600mm x 600mm size, to be identified from the driver’s
seat.
• All security guards/staff should be sensitized and well informed about reserved parking for
persons with disabilities.
2100mm
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External Environment
1. Parking
 8
External Environment
2. Alighting
Existing
• Alighting area identified should be marked by signage

Recommendation
• Signage and drop off area should be clearly marked.
• Tactile pavers should be provided to guide persons
with visual impairments from this area to the building
entrance. Refer Section 3a

Signage for alighting

 9
External Environment
Kerb Ramps
• Absence of kerb ramps prevents persons with disabilities and reduced mobility from crossing streets and
moving on to the station kerb.
• Standard kerb ramps are required- cut back into the footpath (flush with roadway), at a gradient not
greater than 1:12, with flared sides providing transition in three directions.
• Width of the kerb ramp should not be less than 1200mm.
• Tactile warning strip shall be provided on the kerb side edge of the slope, so that persons with vision
impairment do not accidentally walk onto the road.
• The ramps should be flared smooth into the street surface and checked periodically to make sure large
gaps do not develop between the gutter and street surface.
 Recommendations 10

Kerb Ramps
 11
External Environment
3. Accessible Route
Recommendations
Accessible route with tactile pavers, anti skid surface,
resting spaces and strategically placed directional
signage should be provided.
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External Environment
Gratings
Gratings gaps should be less than 10 mm wide, oriented at right angles to the
path centreline

Existing Preferred design of gratings

 External Environment 13

3a. Tactile Pavers

Recommendations
• Line-type indicate the correct path/route to follow.
• Dot-type provides warning signal, to screen off obstacles, drop-offs or other hazards, to
discourage movement in an incorrect direction and to warn of a corner or junction. Should be
placed 300mm at the beginning and end of the ramps, stairs and entrance to any door.
 External Environment 14

3a. Tactile Pavers

Recommendations
Places to install tactile pavers:
•In front of an area where traffic is present.
•In front of an entrance/exit.
•To and from a staircase or multi-level
crossing facility.
•In open space to orient persons with vision
impairment.
 15
Internal Environment
4. Accessible Entrance –Stairs & Ramp
Existing Proposed- stapes to have tactile pavers and
contrast colour band
• The entrance to the building is through
steps
• Space identified for provision of ramp Contrast colour
(L-shape) for accessible entrance band on step
edges

Warning
pavers before
first and last
step

Internal Environment
4. Accessible Entrance -Ramp
Existing
• Ramps with a gentle gradient to
be provided at all entrances.
• Height of handrails: 1100 mm &
900 mm
• Tactile tiles are missing on ramps.
Warning pavers should be
provided for the same
16
Recommendations
•Indoor- Gentle slope of 1:12 max. preferred 1:15
• Outdoor ramp should have overhead shed.
Landings- every 750mm of vertical rise clear space of 1500mm x
1500mm minimum.
• Minimum clear width -1200 mm.
• Ramps and landing surfaces should be slip resistant/ anti-skid.
• Handrails to be on both sides at two levels and at a height of 76mm
and 900mm; both ends to be rounded and grouted and extend 300mm
beyond top and bottom of ramp.
• Strip of warning blocks should be placed 300mm before and after the
ramp edges.
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Internal Environment
4. Ramp
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Internal Environment
Tactile Map
Recommendations
• Tactile maps should be provided near the Enquiry counters which provide way-finding maps and
directories.
• It should include a list of officers, platform nos., train arrival/ departure timings and general building
facilities locations.
• It may include a tactile features/ legends with audio.
• Tactile map should be marked by floor tactile guidance for persons with visual impairments to access it.
 19
Internal Environment
Tactile Map

Wheelchair accessible 3D Tactile map

Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi
 20
Internal Environment
Security Check
• The security check area should be on a level surface i.e. there should not be any level difference
underneath the metal detector as found in conventional designs.
• Clear width of metal detectors should not be less than 1000mm, this allows wheelchairs and prams to cross
unhindered
• Tactile tiles/ pavers should not be obstructed

Tactile tiles are covered with security check system

 21
Internal Environment
Stairs & Handrails
Existing
• Handrails on entry ramp is not extended on the entire length and handrail is on one level
only
• Staircase handrails varies in design and the ends are not rounded off.
• Upper handrail height - 1020 mm
• Lower Handrail height- 920 mm
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Internal Environment
6. Stairs
Recommendations
• Step to be equal/uniform risers (height):
150mm and tread (step depth): 300mm.
• Have continuous handrails on both sides
including the wall (if any) at 760mm and 900mm
height.
• Warning strip to be placed 300mm at the
beginning and at the end of all stairs. Landings
also to have a row of warning strip.
• Nosing to be avoided.
• There needs to be signage indicating the floor
level on each floor. It is also desirable to have a
directory of services available on each floor at
the landing areas.
• Step edges- 50mm minimum should have
bright contrasting colors, which helps persons
with low vision to identify height and depth of
each step.
• Sofit- open area under the staircase should be
cordoned off by guard rails.
 23
Internal Environment
8. Handrails
• Should be circular in section with a
diameter of 38-45mm;
• Should be at least 45mm clear of
the surface to which they are
attached;
• Should be at two levels 760mm
and 900mm from the floor;
• Extend by at least 300mm beyond
the head and foot of the flight and
ramp in the line of travel and
grouted in the ground;
• Should be in bright color contrast
to the surroundings (preferably
red/yellow).
 24
Internal Environment
9. Elevator/Lift
Existing Proposed
• Lift has a call button lower height,
control panel at 1500 mm,
• Size of lift- 1.62 m X 1.39 m,
• Braille, mirror, grab bars are provided

Existing Proposed
 25
Internal Environment
9. Elevator/Lift
Recommendations
• Call button & control panel: At a reach of 900mm-1000mm; at
least 400mm from any corner or have a clear floor space of at
least 900mm x 1200mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a
wheelchair user from reaching the call button;
• Control panel: Inside the lift to be on both the sides. Have
buttons with Braille/ raised letters and in sharp contrast from
the background to aid persons with visual impairments.
• Braille information/raised numbers, audio and visual indicator,
review mirror & kick plates to be fitted.
• There should be no gap or difference in level between the lift
door and the floor surface at each level. If such a gap is
unavoidable, then it should not be more than 12 mm.
• Review mirror & kick plates to be fitted.
• Lift lobby to have ceiling hung floor number for easy
identification by the visitors.
•
 26
Recommendations
Lifts
• All lifts should have notice displayed at 1400mm
height from floor level with symbol of access
(wheelchair symbol) to sensitize other passengers
not to use lift and give priority for persons with
disabilities and those who need it
• Example of notice displayed in all lifts in Metro
system, Tokyo

Metro System, Tokyo, Japan

 27
Internal Environment
9. Elevator/Lift
Recommendations
 28
Internal Environment
10. Escalators
Existing Proposed
• An escalator is found at the metro station
for the convenience of passengers. Escalator to have tactile warning pavers (refer 3a)
• Inclination- 30 degrees to 31 degrees 300mm before and after the edge.
• There are no warning tiles at the escalator Audio beepers alert persons with visual impairments
and no audio alert system
 29
Internal Environment
Ticket Vending Machine
Existing
• There are Braille markings available at ticket vending machine counter
• Insert coin slit- 1400 mm- 1 machine should be lowered down to 800-
1000mm max. out of the 2 ticket vending machines
 30
Internal Environment
AFC & Customer Care
Existing
• EFO/ Customer Care counter height- 1050 mm: to be lowered down to 800mm
• Speaker- 1340 mm: additional speaker at 800-1000mm to be provided
• Tactile tiles stop at beginning of AFC and do not connect the guiding pavers on the other side
 31
Internal Environment
Others

All ATMs should have

Ramps and tactile pavers

Handrails to be provided Lift signage too low- should be at 2m height The ticket counter-height of 1040
on both sides of corridor mm should be lowered down
 32
Internal Environment
13. Accessible toilet
Existing
• There are accessible toilets provided in the metro station
• There are no tactile pavers provided
• Size of the toilet- 3.99 m X 2.66 m
• Grab bars provided in the toilet are not adequate, they need to
be modified
 33
Internal Environment
13. Accessible toilet
Recommendation

U -shape moveable grab

bar

L-shape stationary grab bar

 34
Internal Environment
13. Accessible toilet
Recommendations
• One toilet compartment should have clear floor space -2000mm x 2200mm minimum.
• Clear door opening of at least 900mm with the door swing outwards or be folding or sliding type.
• Should have slip resistant flooring.
• A switch near the WC (one at 300mm and the other at 900mm from the floor level), which
activates an emergency audio alarm (at the reception/attendants desk, etc.).
• Flooring to be anti-slip/matt finish.
 35
Internal Environment
13. Water Closet
Recommendations
• Have clear space of not less than 900mm wide next
to the water closet.
• Be located between 460mm to 480mm from the
centerline of the WC to the adjacent wall and have a
clear dimension of 800mm from the edge of the WC
to the rear wall to facilitate side transfer.
• The top of the WC to be 450-480mm from the floor.
• Grab bars at the transfer side of the WC and the
adjacent wall.
• On the transfer side of the WC- swing up type and
on the wall side L-shape grab bars should be
provided.
 36
Internal Environment
13. Washbasin
Recommendation
• With dimensions 520mm and 410mm, so
mounted that the top edge is between 700mm-
800mm from the floor; have a knee space of at
least 760mm wide by 200mm deep by 650mm-
680mm high.
• Lever type handles for taps are recommended.
• Mirror’s bottom edge to be 900-1000mm from
the floor and the mirror may be inclined at an
angle.
• U-shape moveable grab bars are proposed on
both the sides of the washbasin.
 37
Internal Environment
15. Controls and Operating Mechanisms
Recommendations
Operable part of controls such as vending machines, electrical switches, wall sockets and intercom
buttons should be:
• located adjacent to the clear floor space;
• height between 600-1100 mm;
• controls should be placed not less than 400 mm from room corners;
• operable by one hand;
• does not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist; and operable with a force less
than 22N.

Location of electrical sockets, control, etc.

 38
Internal Environment
16. Signage
Existing- Signage are in dull colours and are not readable by persons with low vision
Proposed
• Floor wise key plans are proposed next to steps and lifts.
• Signage having big fonts, color contrast and well illuminated benefit everyone particularly persons with low
vision.
• Braille plates giving information of facilities etc. shall be provided on the handrails of stairs.
• Information in Hindi and English: Principle names to also be indicated in Hindi and in English.
• Color: Displays related to barrier-free facilities and routes to be simple and easy to distinguish.
All signage displaying facilities for “Persons with Disability” to have a uniform colour (preferably blue and white).

Existing
 39
Internal Environment
16. Signage
Recommendations- preferred location of signage
 40
Internal Environment
16. Signage
Height and placement
 41
Internal Environment
General Toilets
Recommendations
• All signage to be in contrasting colours.
• For visitors with low vision and vision impairments- pictogram (male pictogram in triangle and
female pictogram in circle), marked on plates along with Braille & raised alphabets, to be mounted
on wall next to door near the latch side, at a height between 1400mm-1600mm.
• Warning paver strip/ thin rubber door mat to be provided 300mm before the toilet entrances.
Availability of sanitary material and disposal mechanism in ladies toilet.
 42
Internal Environment
Accessible Urinals
Existing
There is a step and the urinals are not lowered for use by
wheelchair users and children.
Recommendations
• There should not be any step/ level difference in front of accessible urinal.
• At least one of the urinals in all Gents toilets on all floors should have grab bar; installed on each side and in
the front to support ambulant persons with disabilities (for example, crutch users).
• The front bar is to provide chest support; the sidebars are for the user to hold on to while standing.

Existing
Recommended
 43
Internal Environment
Platform

1 2

1. Good example of tactile paving and

resting benches
2. Warning pavers to be provided
3 300mm before the track edges
3. Wheelchair designed and waiting
area on platform
should be provided on other stations
also
 44
Internal Environment
Platforms
Existing
• Facilities on Platform 2
• Boarding area for wheelchairs
• Tactile tiles for wheelchairs
• Passenger emergency telephone
• Evacuation track system
• Evacuation chairs should be provided for the evacuation of persons with disabilities
• Lux levels on platform 1 is only 18 Lux which is not adequate and should be minimum 150 lux.
 45
Internal Environment
Coach Internal

Stanchions in the metro coach to be Route map- active signage to be provided

in contrast colour- yellow/ red and in the metro coach to be in contrast
colour- yellow/ red
 Internal Environment 46

Colour Contrast
Recommendations
Contrast colours should be provided between:
• Columns in circulation area to have contrast
color,
• Critical Surfaces (walls, ceiling and floor),
• Signage and background sign frame/ wall,
• Step edges and risers/ treads on steps,
• Handrails and background wall,
• Doors and surrounding walls,
• Switches/ sockets and background wall,
• Toilet fixtures, accessories and background
walls.
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Recommendations
17. Emergency Evacuation

• Emergency staircase for evacuation/escape is • To be provided at all stations clearly marked

provided at Namma Metro, Bangalore with directional arrow and way finding
signages
 48
Internal Environment
Emergency Evacuation

Good example at the platform and tracks

Should be replicated in other stations also
 49
Internal Environment
17. Emergency Evacuation
Recommendations
• Fire escape plan, emergency alarm both audio (hooter type) and visual (flashing bulb)
to be provided at strategic locations.
• Evacuation routes should be clearly identified. Routes should be at least 1200mm wide,
to ensure that a person using a wheelchair and a non-disabled person are able to pass
each other along the route. The route should be free of any level difference and should
be kept free from obstacles such as furniture, coolers, AC units, flower pots, etc.
Contact details:
Ms. Anjlee Agarwal , Executive Director & Access Consultant