The Perambur Loco Works pedestrian subway in Chennai, envisioned as a safe passage for commuters, has once again fallen into a state of disrepair, revealing persistent lapses in basic civic maintenance. Despite recent patchwork improvements and prior restoration efforts, the subway continues to grapple with issues such as waterlogging, inadequate lighting, structural damage, and a general lack of cleanliness, raising serious safety concerns for its users.
Residents’ welfare associations and commuters have repeatedly highlighted the deteriorating condition of the subway, pointing to poor workmanship and a lack of oversight, even after significant funds were allegedly invested in its upkeep. Specific grievances include the subway flooding during rainy days, damaged or missing floor tiles, insufficient lighting that plunges sections into darkness, and essential fixtures like stainless steel bollards being stolen or inadequately installed.
The subway was initially constructed during the COVID-19 lockdown to discourage pedestrians from crossing dangerous railway tracks. However, its recurring state of neglect has compromised the very safety it was intended to provide. The issue of waterlogging is particularly persistent, with sewage-mixed rainwater transforming parts of the passage into an inaccessible tunnel during downpours. Residents have noted that even on normal days, slush and stagnant water make passage difficult.
The structural integrity of the subway is also a cause for concern. Reports detail cracked ceiling panels wide enough to allow a hand through, and ceramic wall tiles that have fallen off or are on the verge of detachment, contributing to a shoddy and unwelcoming appearance. This state of disrepair makes it difficult to believe the facility has undergone significant restoration or has been in use for a considerable period.
Compounding the safety and hygiene issues is the lack of basic amenities. Nearby public restrooms remain locked, and garbage accumulation near both entrances adds to the unsanitary conditions. Residents have also raised alarms about the absence of CCTV surveillance, leaving the area vulnerable to anti-social activities, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. This lack of security discourages women and children from using the subway, especially after dark.
The problem is further exacerbated by the contested responsibility for maintenance between the Southern Railway and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). While the GCC’s list of maintained subways includes one at Perambur High Road, officials have sometimes refuted responsibility for specific passages, leading to delays and a lack of decisive action. Despite escalating the issue to higher authorities, residents claim that responses have been limited or delayed, with no official statements from railway officials regarding inspection protocols or repair timelines.
The situation has led some commuters to resort to dangerously crossing railway tracks again, a practice the subway was intended to eliminate, due to broken boundary walls and the subway’s overall unsuitability. This underscores a critical gap in the city’s approach to maintaining public infrastructure, where restoration efforts appear superficial and long-term upkeep is neglected.
The recurring problems at the Perambur subway highlight a systemic failure in ensuring basic civic amenities are functional and safe. The inadequate lighting, persistent flooding, and structural decay not only inconvenience commuters but also pose a tangible risk to public safety. The lack of clear accountability between different authorities further complicates efforts to find a lasting solution. As Chennai faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, the condition of such essential infrastructure becomes even more critical, demanding urgent and effective intervention.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
