Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)

Our association with DMRC since Year 2002 ….
DMRC in its policy and planning stage included the access needs of people with diverse disabilities.  Samarthyam approached DMRC with the objective to ensure that the design of all the stations is in consonance with the standard access requirements and guidelines. An access audit of the sample Welcome Metro Station (during the partially constructed stage) was conducted, along with DMRC engineers & architect, in April 2002. The access audit team comprising people with diverse disabilities and a checklist, observed: drop off lanes and parking to the station entrance, ticket & automatic fare collection (AFC) counters; proposed placement of guiding path & warning strips; lifts & stairs; approach to the platform and toilets proposed to be built outside the Station. It submitted its suggestions supplemented with photographs.  

Inauguration of first metro line, 24th December 2002
DMRC welcomed the user group perspective and invited Samarthyam for access audits and inputs on other metro stations/services from time to time. Media highlighted the cooperation and coordination between Samarthyam and DMRC for barrier-free Delhi Metro. The first stretch of 8.3km with four Coaches and six stations were inaugurated on 24th December 2002. 
DMRC has set an example of Universal and Inclusive Design. 
The built Stations provide features such as designated parking for PwDs; ramps with hand rails; guiding paths and warning strips for vision impaired persons; bright colour contrast for low vision persons; large lettering and information displays and signage; lifts with lowered control panel with Braille and raised control buttons and auditory signals; resting areas for senior citizens and disabled persons.  Inside the coaches, there are designated spaces for wheelchair users, audio announcement with dynamic display and sensory door closing mechanisms. 
Samarthyam is associated with DMRC till date, to make the system user-friendly, to ensure all stations of Delhi Metro to have Universal Design.