Kochi Metro steps towards inclusivity with new Braille navigation systems at Changampuzha Park station

Kochi: In a significant step towards inclusive urban transport, Changampuzha Park Metro station will feature a new Braille station map and advanced handrail indicators to facilitate the visually impaired passengers.KMRL MD Loknath Behera will inaugurate the navigation aids at 1pm on Wednesday. The initiative is the main component of Project Disha, a collaborative effort between KMRL and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) - Young Indians (Yi). "The primary objective is to achieve a transition from a system of ‘assistance-based' travel to one of ‘independent mobility'. For many commuters with visual impairments, navigating sprawling transit hubs can be a daunting task often requiring constant third-party help. This project aims to dismantle those barriers," a Metro spokesperson said. The upgrades at Changampuzha Park station include three components. The Braille station maps, located at key entry points, allow users to ‘feel' the entire layout of the station, from ticket counters to platforms. The integrated Braille signs on the handrails provide continuous directional cues, ensuring passengers know exactly which floor or platform they are approaching. There will also be strategic signage, with the Braille boards highlighting essential amenities such as lifts, restrooms and emergency exits. When commuters can mentally map their surroundings and verify their location in real time, their confidence grows. This project serves as a vital step in making public transport a space where everyone can travel with dignity, the authorities pointed out.