At Chennai and Egmore stations, the Southern Railway has introduced Braille navigation maps for visually impaired passengers.
Southern Railways has taken a significant step to make life easier for the visually impaired. Braille navigation maps were installed at Chennai and Egmore stations on Monday to make the railway stations more accessible to the visually impaired. The step will allow the visually impaired to travel independently.
These maps, which measure 3X3 feet, are displayed at the entrances to the two railway stations. It will aid visually impaired passengers in their navigation. They can use the map to find ticket counters, restrooms, concourse areas, drinking water taps, waiting rooms, and cloakrooms. They can also use a Braille map to get to the foot over bridge.
Southern Railway stated in a statement that QR codes are provided on the Braille boards/signages. These can be scanned with smartphones, triggering audio messages. These audio messages will assist passengers in getting to where they need to go at the railway station.
“The installation of Braille boards in Chennai and Egmore railways stations is a welcome step by the Railways. The visually impaired will now be able to navigate through the station to reach the platforms where they are headed as well as get directions to reach toilets or to places they intend to travel within the station. A great initiative by the Southern Railway.”
IANS Dr. Ramani P. Mathai, who works with the visually impaired
Previously, checkered tiles were laid along the edges of platforms to make traveling safer and more secure for visually impaired passengers. There are also stainless steel handrails in the FOBs to help blind passengers move around.