Chennai Metro Given Extra Time for Accessibility Audit Report

11 Jun 2024 CW Team

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been given an additional two weeks to submit the second access audit report of its metro stations. This extension was granted by the Madras High Court after the CMRL requested more time to complete the audit. The court's decision came during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Vaishnavi Jayakumar, a disability rights activist, seeking better accessibility for persons with disabilities at metro stations.

The access audit is being conducted to ensure that all metro stations comply with the accessibility standards mandated by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The first audit report, submitted earlier, highlighted several deficiencies in the accessibility infrastructure, including issues with tactile flooring, signage, and the lack of adequate ramps and elevators.

The High Court has directed the CMRL to address these issues and improve the facilities to make them more user-friendly for people with disabilities. The second audit report is expected to detail the progress made in rectifying the shortcomings identified in the initial audit.

During the hearing, the CMRL assured the court that significant improvements have been made and that the remaining issues will be addressed promptly. The court emphasised the importance of making public transportation accessible to all citizens and urged the CMRL to expedite the necessary upgrades.

This move aims to ensure that Chennai Metro stations are fully accessible and cater to the needs of all commuters, particularly those with disabilities. The court has scheduled the next hearing for later this month to review the progress and compliance with the accessibility standards.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..