2022
Hello Everyone,
Our PhotoWalk was hosted by @JohnPeter on 28th April 2018. The Photo Walk was to visit every Metro Station in Chennai and add detailed images to them.
We gathered at the CMBT Metro at 8 AM. Introductions were made ( @RtnArulPrakasamT ) and once everyone arrived, we began our Walk at 8.30 AM. Although it was the weekend, there was a little crowd in every station we visited. Due to security issues, we were not allowed to use the Monopods to take 360-degree photos
Our 1st station was CMBT, where most people visit the station to connect to local buses and the airport. After which we headed to Koyembadu station and then to Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar Tower, Anna Nagar East, Shenoy Nagar, Pachaiyappa's College, Kilpauk and Nehru Park.
The previously mentioned 7 stations were all underground. During our walk in these underground stations, we happen to notice a particular set of floor panels which were different compared to the rest of the flooring.
We were very curious to know what that meant and why they were placed in strategically. When asked the authorities, they mentioned that these panels were meant specifically for the visually challenged. The dashes mean, they can walk and move forward. The dots are turn points or intersections or end-of-the-line, where they would have to continue on their own. We were really surprised when we learned about this. It literally translates to braille on the floor. These dots and dashes were big enough that they could easily be felt even through the shoes we were wearing.
We also learned another interesting thing about the metro specific to the underground stations.
The arrows on either side of the doors are the entry points directing the passengers from where they can enter the train. The white boxes on either side are provided to indicate that people boarding the train must follow a queue and enter. The arrow in the center indicates the exit point from the train.
This clearly shows, how we can avoid congestion during entering and exiting the station.
The things we learned at the metro stations were so small and minute details which matter a lot. It was surprising to all of us at that we had not noticed it during our commutes every day.
I have listed below the stations we visited during the Photo Walk.
1) CMBT (over-bridge station)
2) Koyembadu (over-bridge station)
3) Thirumangalam (underground station)
4) Anna Nagar Tower (underground station)
5) Anna Nagar East (underground station)
6) Shenoy Nagar (underground station)
7) Pachaiyappa's College (underground station)
😎 Kilpauk (underground station)
9) Nehru Park (underground station)
10) Vadapalani (over-bridge station)
Every station was well-maintained with fire safety, first aid kits, security guards, escalators that go 2 floors below the ground, elevators for the differently-abled, old and parents with strollers. They had thought about everything to be provided in the metros. Comparing the metro to the local electric trains, the metro was far better in the amenities they provide. In the local electric trains, there is no access for wheelchairs or nothing to help blind people get through to their destination.
We did have a great time at during the walk. You can see most of our pictures here in this Album. Of the 2 metro phases which are functional, we were only able to cover 50% of the stations in one of the phases. Our final station was Vadapalani. We completed our walk at 12.30 PM. It was almost about over 4 hours to complete 10 stations. The other 50% of this metro phase still has 8 more stations. We have agreed to complete them at a later date.
Edit: @StephenAbraham I have added my pic as well.
Hope to complete our Walk soon.
Best,
Avinash
