Chennai MRTS Station's Closed Entries Force Residents on Long Detours
Three weeks after the inauguration of the Puzhuthivakkam MRTS station in Chennai, local residents are grappling with significant inconvenience as they are forced to take circuitous routes to access the facility. The station, which opened to the public on March 14, features four designated entry blocks, but two of these remain shut, compelling commuters to endure unnecessary detours.
Entry Points Remain Inaccessible
The Puzhuthivakkam MRTS station is designed with four entry blocks: one on each side of the Inner Ring Road, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, and two others from an interior road connecting Saraswathy Nagar and Ram Nagar. However, residents report that the shutters for the entrances along this interior road have remained closed since the station's opening. This closure forces people to access the station exclusively from the main Inner Ring Road, resulting in a detour of approximately one kilometer.
K Bhaskar, president of the Saraswathy Nagar residents welfare association, highlighted the impact, stating, "Not only people from our area, but also those from Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, Andal Nagar, and MGR Nagar, which collectively house over 1,000 families, would benefit immensely if this block is cleared. The distance to the station would reduce dramatically to just 450-500 metres."
Circuitous Routes and Commute Challenges
The lack of direct streets or roads leading to the main road exacerbates the detour issue. During a visit to the AGS Colony area nearby, it was observed that reaching the main road on a two-wheeler took about eight minutes. R Rishikesan, a resident of Ram Nagar, explained, "One has to navigate through at least 20 interior roads or streets just to get onto the main road, from where it is nearly a kilometer to the station. This adds considerable time and effort to daily commutes."
Safety and Amenity Concerns Raised
Beyond the inconvenience, residents have flagged safety and amenity issues at the unopened blocks. Bhaskar added, "We can see liquor bottles and cigarette butts strewn around the unopened blocks, and strangers are often seen lurking around during late hours. This poses a security risk for the community. Additionally, the newly opened block requires a round-the-clock escalator facility to improve accessibility for all users."
Geetha Ganesh, secretary of the AGS Colony residents welfare association, emphasized the need for better last-mile connectivity, saying, "We have requested bus routes and improvements in feeder transport options from the station. Currently, residents of AGS Colony, Saraswathy Nagar, and surrounding areas face significant commute difficulties due to limited transport links, making access to the MRTS station cumbersome."
Official Response and Future Steps
When contacted, Southern Railway divisional railway manager Shailendra Singh did not respond to inquiries. However, an official from Southern Railway acknowledged the issue, stating that they would check with the concerned staff and expedite the opening of the closed shutters. This promise offers a glimmer of hope for residents who have been advocating for improved access and amenities at the Puzhuthivakkam MRTS station.
The situation underscores broader challenges in urban public transport infrastructure, where last-mile connectivity and timely operational readiness are crucial for maximizing the benefits of new transit facilities. As Chennai continues to expand its MRTS network, addressing such teething problems will be essential to ensure seamless commuter experiences and enhanced mobility for all residents.
