The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will begin installation of lifts and escalators in completed metro stations in February 2013, metro officials said.
The lifts and escalators may be first installed at the CMBT and Koyembedu metro stations where work is complete, an official said.
125 lifts and 300 escalators will be provided by Johnson Lifts Pvt. Ltd and China-based SJEC Corporation respectively, at a cost of Rs. 197 crore for the 32 metro stations,.
“First, the lifts will be installed in the depot in Koyembedu, where many controlling operations would occur. Then, the completed stations will have lifts and escalators.
The lifts will be disabled-friendly as per the ‘Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons,’ Central Public Works Department, Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment, 1998, he added. The lifts are equipped with audio announcement and Braille facilities such as signs printed in Braille inside the lifts to show floors. Additionally, there may also be grip-rails within the lift.
