Toilets in Chennai Still Inaccessible for People with Disabilities
Toilets in Chennai remain a major concern for people with disabilities, with several individuals reporting that basic facilities are either unavailable or designed without accessibility in mind. Across schools, public places, and even government offices, people with disabilities continue to face distressing situations due to narrow entrances, missing ramps, or locked facilities.
Aranga Raja, a visually impaired professor, shared how he restricts himself to using toilets only in familiar areas. “If I’m near the university, I use the one there. Otherwise, I avoid going altogether,” he said. He also mentioned the lack of braille signage or tactile pathways, which makes locating toilets extremely difficult. “At Beach railway station, there’s a braille map, but no indication of the toilet’s location. I searched for long and had to leave disappointed,” he added.
This situation highlights how something as simple as using a public toilet becomes a challenge for many, turning everyday routines into stressful experiences.
Toilets in Chennai Lack Basic Accessibility Features
For wheelchair users, toilets in Chennai often fail the most basic accessibility standards. M. Anusuya, who uses a wheelchair, said that many so-called accessible toilets are either too small or locked. “Even when they exist, the doors are too narrow, and I can’t take my wheelchair inside. Sometimes I’m forced to crawl just to use the toilet,” she said.
She also pointed out that while handrails are installed in a few places, many toilets don’t have functional taps, making hygiene difficult for users with limited mobility.
Satish Kumar, a member of the Disability Rights Alliance, noted that metro station toilets are among the few that are comparatively accessible. “But Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) toilets are not accessible at all. Even government offices like Ripon Buildings lack proper facilities. New buildings should not be approved unless they include accessible toilets,” he emphasized.
Toilets in Chennai Schools and Trains Add to the Challenge
The problem extends beyond public areas to schools and trains. Kalyani (name changed), a wheelchair user, explained that many schools claim to have “differently abled” toilets, but the reality is far from functional. “The doors are narrow, the ramps are steep, and sometimes there’s even a step at the entrance,” she said.
Traveling long distances is no easier. Many train coaches still lack accessible toilets, forcing passengers with disabilities to endure discomfort. “Some even wear diapers while traveling because they can’t find usable toilets,” Kalyani added.
This reveals a deeper issue a lack of understanding and empathy in public infrastructure planning. Accessibility often remains an afterthought rather than a priority.
GCC’s Measures to Improve Toilets in Chennai
Responding to public concerns, Chennai Mayor R. Priya stated that all new toilets in Chennai built over the last year and a half include separate sections for persons with disabilities. “These toilets have wide doors, handrails, and ramps. Even old structures being reconstructed are following accessibility standards,” she said.
However, activists argue that while policies sound promising, implementation is inconsistent. Many newly built toilets still lack basic usability. “On paper, everything looks good, but in practice, accessibility is about understanding real needs like enough space for turning a wheelchair or clear signage for the visually impaired,” said an activist.
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While GCC has assured that grievances reported by people with disabilities will be addressed immediately, the issue persists on the ground. Accessibility checks and regular audits remain limited, and feedback from users is rarely incorporated into design improvements. Also Read: Chennai Pose Risk: 1 Major Flyover Turns Hazardous for Daily Commuters
Conclusion:
The lack of accessible toilets in Chennai paints a concerning picture of urban inclusivity. While government bodies promise accessible infrastructure, many persons with disabilities still navigate a city that doesn’t fully accommodate their needs. From narrow doorways to missing ramps and poorly designed facilities, accessibility remains more a concept than a lived reality. For a city known for its growth and innovation, ensuring dignity and independence through inclusive public infrastructure should not be delayed. It’s not just about building toilets it’s about building access, equality, and respect.
