You might have heard announcements at Metro stations to keep the tactile paths free. Some of us, however, might not even know what they are.
For the uninitiated, a tactile path is a system of textured ground surface indicator found on footpaths, stairs and platforms to assist visually impaired pedestrians. Tactile warnings provide a distinctive surface pattern detectable underfoot or by a long cane.
A typical tactile path (in yellow) on a Metro platform
As you might have guessed, it is obvious that the path is to be kept free. However, a lack of awareness about the paths and rapid commercialisation of Metro stations have caused them to be encroached upon by kiosks, vending machines, barricades and even metal detectors installed by the police.
These hindrances and obstacles have led several visually impaired people to either get misguided or injured.
Poonam Tyagi, a resident of Paradise Apartments in Sector 9, Dwarka, and general secretary of National Association For the Blind, Meerut, says, “I have seen closed gates covering the tactile paths at various Metro stations in Dwarka. These paths should be kept unhindered at all cost.”
According to sources, more than 1,000 visually impaired people use the Metro to commute every day. Proper infrastructure to support the blind, however, is only available at a few stations. “Stations such as Rajiv Chowk and AIIMS have convenient tactile paths,” says Neelam, a visually impaired student and a daily Metro user from Dwarka. “Why can’t all stations ensure this?”
Queue managers placed along a tactile path
Blocking and poor paving of tactile paths have led to several grave incidents in the past. Satguru Rathi, a visually impaired commuter, walked into a gate while following the path. “Tactile paths at Metro stations are rarely obstacle-free,” he says. “I walk into a gate or a pillar every other day.”
He shares a few instances: “At the Dwarka Sector 14 Metro station, the tactile path leads you to a closed entrance. In places, it will lead you straight to the baggage scanner. At Kaushambi Metro station, if I use the exit towards Noida Sector 62, I will walk straight into a pillar. This is a problem with every other Metro station.”
A baggage screen placed on a tactile path
There have even been incidents in which visually impaired commuters have fallen off the platforms and on the Metro tracks. There has been no attempt by the authorities to address the issue. “I fell on the tracks at Kaushambi Metro station. Unable to locate the coach's door, I slipped through the gap between two coaches. I’m lucky to be alive,” Rathi says.
Generally, Metro platforms have a yellow strip about 2 feet away from the edge, which enables a visually impaired commuter to have an idea about how far he or she is from the edge. At several stations, however, the yellow strip is not distinct enough for a commuter to gauge this distance. Sweety Bhalla is a victim. She fell off the platform because the line was not discernible. “There must be a warning tile before the yellow strip," she says. "I somehow survived, but was seriously injured.”
Gates closed on tactile path (left) and a tactile path leading to closed doors (right)
“At most Metro stations," Bhalla adds, "there are warning tiles while going downt he stairs, but none while going up. There are high chances that people like us can stumble and fall."
According to those who are blind or have partial vision, a railing on the edge of the platform is a must. “Only a couple of stations have a guard rail along the platform to prevent accidents. Rajiv Chowk has one. Stations that see heavy footfall should especially have them installed,” Rathi says.
Joint secretary of the National Association for the Blind, Delhi, says, “Delhi Metro Rail Corporation [DMRC] has been informed about these issues several times. They should take the matter more seriously and ensure that tactile paths are kept free. People should also be made more aware. Most importantly, the paving needs to be good.”
On the subject, DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal says, “We will ensure obstacle-free tactile paths as soon as possible.”
We really hope you do. And all you readers, help us spread the word.
