Chennai: Southern Railway has formally requested the relocation of 39 Tasmac liquor shops situated near railway stations and tracks within the city and its surrounding areas. The initiative is driven by a series of incidents including stones being thrown at trains, theft from passengers waiting at stations, trespassing on tracks, and damage to railway signals across the suburban railway network.
Government Context
This move aligns with the Tamil Nadu government's recent decision to shut down 717 liquor shops across the state. Among these, 276 shops are located within 500 meters of places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 close to bus terminuses. Tasmac currently operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu.
Specific Locations
Railway officials confirmed that the 39 identified shops are within 200 meters of suburban railway stations and tracks in the districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpet. Affected stations include Perambur, Avadi, Ambattur, Guindy, Chromepet, Tambaram Sanatorium, Velachery, Korukkupet, Washermanpet, and Ennore.
Study Findings
“We identified shops based on a study conducted by 17 inspectors from 27 stations between November 2025 and March 2026, covering all railway stations in the region. Public nuisance complaints from passengers formed the basis of our assessment. The police found that many individuals purchased liquor from these outlets and consumed it near station entrances, platforms, and tracks,” said Valleswara Babuji, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner of Southern Railway.
Resident Concerns
S. Kumaresan, a resident of Chromepet, expressed concern: “Every year, many deaths are reported near the Chromepet level crossing, and the victims are often intoxicated. Sitting near railway tracks and drinking has become common. The Tasmac shop located 100 meters from the station should be relocated.”
A. Dharanidharan, a social activist from Avadi, added: “At Avadi railway station, tipplers easily breach the entry and exit points. Even during the day, they buy liquor from the nearby shop and consume it near the tracks. Some even purchase platform tickets and drink on the stairs away from the counter. Many get away without RPF personnel noticing them.”
Impact and Next Steps
The relocation request is expected to be reviewed by the Tamil Nadu government and Tasmac authorities. The move aims to enhance safety for railway passengers and reduce vandalism and accidents caused by intoxicated individuals near railway infrastructure.
