Deadline is over, however Kilambakkam terminal is not yet wheelchair-accessible

The Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam was supposed to be accessible to those with disabilities by the middle of January, but the construction is still ongoing. Activists conducted a fact-check earlier this week and discovered that just a tiny portion of the work had begun. To make the facility handicap accessible, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) sent out three bids totaling Rs 1 million.

Members of the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA) visited the terminal in September of last year and then submitted a report outlining the necessary changes and retrofits. Only after a PIL was filed due to the authorities’ silence and inactivity did the CMDA issue a call for bids and set a two-month deadline for the work.

According to Sudha Ramamoorthy, a member of the DRA team, the retrofitting of the uneven tactile guide and warning surface signs for blind navigation was deemed to be inadequate. This problem was discovered on the stairwell and elevator corridor.

The DRA campaigners note, “There are logical fallacies with tactile guidance to toilets ending before dustbins and lift without buttons.”

Similarly, retrofitted tiles that are slightly raised at the corners as a result of poor scouring and embedding provide a little variation in the floor’s level. Other than that, construction on the ramp and staircases has not yet started. The lengthy access ramps 1 and 2 are still devoid of floor markings, rain protection, in-between landings, and thermal-coated handrails. Wheelchair users without assistance cannot utilize the curving side entrance ramp due to its steepness.

The counters must take on two heights. According to the follow-up report TNIE was able to see, there is now just one counter, and the employees lack tactile information directing them to it.

2000 private busses that overcharged customers were punished.

1,892 private buses have been fined by the state transportation administration for overcharging passengers between January 10 and January 21 during Pongal. Following an examination, the panel assessed a fine of Rs 36,55,414. Additionally, the agency has requested that 1,000 private buses registered in Nagaland and AP get the necessary paperwork by March 31.