IIT Madras students build innovative ramp for differently-abled to access trains

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is known for its innovations. Now, the design for a device made by students at the premier institute, is aimed at helping the differently-abled. The innovative ramp can provide easy access between a train and the platform, according to a report in The New Indian Express. 

The ramp is reported to be cost-effective and will be also be extremely beneficial for senior citizens who cannot climb stairs. The idea won the 'Indian Railway Design Challenge' at Shaastra which is IIT-M's tech festival. Officials from the railways have decided to see if the design can be used in modifications for upcoming coaches.

Mechanical and civil engineering students from 'Team Innovators' designed the foldable semi-automatic footboard that won the prize. “Every year, hundreds of passengers get either maimed or even killed while entering or exiting trains through the steep footboard. This is because of the large gap between the platform and the coach,” one of the team members Narendra Borde told the daily.

The total cost of the ramp is Rs 8,300, the students said.