Thiruvanmiyur beach to soon get disabled-friendly ramp

Chennai: Thiruvanmiyur Beach will soon have a disabled-friendly wooden ramp, to be built by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) at a cost of 1.2 crore. The initiative aims to help people with disabilities and senior citizens enjoy the beachfront without obstacles.The ramp will run from the beach's main entrance right up to the shoreline to a length of 100 metres and will feature handrails on both sides, resting spaces along the path, and tactile paving for the visually impaired. To ensure safety and longevity, officials said the structure will be built with anti-corrosive materials and designed to withstand high tides and saltwater exposure. The flooring will be anti-skid, and shaded areas will offer respite from the sun. GCC floated tenders for the facility on Tuesday."We have taken into account feedback about the ramps built at Marina and Elliot's beaches," said a GCC official with Adyar Zone. "The positive response encouraged us to extend this facility to Thiruvanmiyur Beach as well."Work on the ramp began after obtaining environmental clearances. The project is expected to be completed in six months. Once finished, Thiruvanmiyur will become the third major beach in Chennai to have dedicated disabled-friendly infrastructure.While lauding the move, activists and residents stressed the need for sustained upkeep. "Ramps are excellent steps towards inclusivity, but they must be maintained well and have proper signage in multiple languages for continued usability," said K Shanthakumar, a resident of Kottivakkam Kuppam neighbourhood. The ramp will also have designated seating areas for caregivers and senior citizens.