Tambaram Railway Station to Get 9 Lifts and 10 Escalators in New FOB
In a major boost to passenger convenience, Tambaram Railway Station, Chennai’s third-largest railway terminal, is set to receive 9 lifts and 10 escalators as part of a comprehensive mobility upgrade. The facilities will be installed on a newly constructed eight-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) to improve access to platforms, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Officials said Southern Railway has floated a tender for installing the lifts. The new FOB, designed to handle growing passenger volumes, will connect all platforms, unlike the existing bridge, which offers limited connectivity.
Barrier-Free Access and Better Crowd Management
Tambaram station has been witnessing a surge in footfall following the diversion of several express trains from Chennai Egmore Railway Station due to redevelopment works. With both suburban and long-distance passenger traffic increasing, the new infrastructure aims to ease congestion and enhance safety.
Railway officials said:
- Lifts will provide barrier-free access for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, patients, and passengers carrying luggage
- Escalators at concourse and platform levels will help smooth passenger circulation and quicker crowd dispersal
Regular Inspections and Future Plans
Frequent inspections of the project have been conducted by the Divisional Railway Manager, Shailendra Singh, officials added. Similar lift and escalator facilities are also being planned for another FOB at the station. Meanwhile, the existing foot over bridge connecting East and West Tambaram will continue to remain operational.
Residents Welcome Move, Seek Better Connectivity
Welcoming the initiative, Tambaram resident Dayanand Krishnan said that while the new FOB is a positive step, authorities should also:
- Improve east-side connectivity
- Expand the circulating area near the FOB
- Provide a wider approach road to allow smooth drop-offs
He added that as per the tender, the work should be completed by March, ensuring hassle-free movement for daily commuters.
Once completed, the new FOB with lifts and escalators is expected to significantly enhance accessibility, safety, and passenger experience at Tambaram railway station.
