Chennai Subway Fails to Deliver Promised Pedestrian Access, Commuters Struggle
Three months after its grand inauguration, the Radha Nagar light motor vehicle subway in Chennai remains incomplete for pedestrians, lacking the promised walkway to Chromepet railway station. This omission persists despite a clear direction from the Madras High Court to consider constructing a pedestrian pathway from the subway on Radha Nagar Main Road directly to platforms 2 and 3 of the station.
As a result, local residents are forced to endure a nearly 800-meter walk along the heavily trafficked GST Road to reach the station, a situation that undermines the subway's intended benefits. The subway project, initially conceived in 2011 to alleviate severe traffic congestion at the Radha Nagar level crossing, was completed at a cost of 14.75 crore rupees, with funding shared equally between the state highways department and Southern Railway.
Delays and Disappointments Plague Infrastructure Project
However, the project has been marred by numerous delays before finally opening earlier this year, and now faces criticism for failing to adequately serve pedestrian commuters. V Saritha, secretary of the Ganesh Nagar residents' welfare association, highlighted the ongoing issues: "For residents entering from the Radha Nagar side, the level crossing remains the most direct route to join GST Road. Many commuters say the subway does not adequately cater to pedestrians, forcing them to continue using the unsafe crossing."
This sentiment is echoed by other community leaders, who point out the inconvenience and safety risks posed by the current setup. The absence of a dedicated walkway not only increases travel time but also exposes pedestrians to potential hazards on the busy road.
Residents Call for Improved Connectivity and Amenities
M Sreedhar, president of the Nallappa Nagar residents' welfare association, emphasized the need for better infrastructure: "For people going to Chromepet railway station, it involves a long walk, climbing stairs, and then climbing again inside the station. In places such as Meenambakkam and Tirusulam, subways directly connect to stations. If an escalator or lift with direct access is provided here, it will benefit commuters."
Residents are urging authorities to implement the High Court's directive promptly and consider additional amenities like escalators or lifts to enhance accessibility. The comparison to other railway stations in Chennai, where subways offer seamless connectivity, underscores the gaps in this project's execution.
- The subway was planned in 2011 to ease traffic at Radha Nagar level crossing.
- It cost 14.75 crore rupees, funded by state highways and Southern Railway.
- Pedestrians must walk 800m on GST Road due to missing walkway.
- Madras High Court has directed consideration of a pedestrian pathway.
- Residents continue using unsafe level crossing as a shortcut.
As Chennai strives to improve its urban infrastructure, the Radha Nagar subway serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing vehicle and pedestrian needs. The ongoing delays in providing the promised walkway highlight broader issues in project implementation and public accountability, leaving commuters to navigate a less-than-ideal situation daily.
