Chennai, October 6, 2023: Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) has announced the completion of phase 2 of its partnership with Indian Railways and NGO Anuprayaas, aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments at railway stations. Phase 3, encompassing 17 additional stations in Chennai and other locations, was unveiled by Rakesh Srivastava, MD, NMIPL, and Shri Eerya Bhukya Vishwanath, DRM, Chennai Division, Southern Railway, during a media briefing session.
Nissan India's accessibility project, initiated in 2022, seeks to transform more than 15 stations annually over a three-year period. Its goal is to empower individuals with visual and hearing disabilities, as well as those using wheelchairs, to travel independently and with dignity, reducing their reliance on assistance while traveling.The first phase of the project, which began on August 1, 2022, involved installing accessibility features at 15 railway stations in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, including Chennai Central, Ghatkopar, Bombay Sion, Erode, Yeshwanthpur-Tambaram, Chengalpattu, and Madurai. The second phase, initiated on August 1, 2023, extended to 15 railway stations in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, including Chennai Fort, Chennai Beach, Chrompet, and St. Thomas Mount.
Commenting on the initiative, Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “As a brand that considers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as part of its core ethos, Nissan is committed to promoting social inclusivity and strengthening community welfare. We believe that mobility should be for all and transcend limitations. Railways are a key lifeline for travel and mobility in our country and we are honoured to be working with Indian Railways on this project to enhance accessibility at railway stations. We are proud to have completed work on 30 railway stations across India and to continue this initiative at 17 more stations.”
With the completion of the second phase, Nissan Motor India has commenced work on phase 3, which will encompass 17 additional stations in Chennai division, including:
- Chennai Beach
- Mambalam
- Guduvancheri
- Kanchipuram
- Vandalur
- Kattankulathur
- Chrompet
- Pallavaram
- St. Thomas Mount
- Nungambakkam
- Saidapet
- Kodambakkam
- Tambaram Sanitorium
- Chennai Chetpet
- Tirusulam
- Meenambakkam
- Ambattur
For people with visual disabilities, the initiative provides guiding Braille indicators at platforms and railings to identify platform numbers, a braille station map and information booklet, and braille signs for facilities. Additional accessibility features consist of reflective strips at stairs for individuals with low vision, sign language videos about the station (accessible through a QR code), a portable ramp and wheelchair for the divyang coach, and disability awareness sessions for railway staff.
Despite there being over 26.8 million differently-abled individuals in India, only three percent of public spaces are accessible to them. Many rely on public transport, including railways, yet there is a shortage of facilities to enable independent travel for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Nissan Motor India's program strives to create more inclusive, convenient, and accessible transportation options for all.
