CHENNAI: The pedestrian subway at Perambur Loco Works railway station continues to raise safety concerns among commuters and nearby residents due to inadequate lighting and poor upkeep.
Commuters lament over the lack of lights, pointing out that the few lights remain switched off entirely, while others flicker intermittently, leaving long stretches dimly lit.
This issue has persisted for several months. “It’s quite uncomfortable to walk through the subway,” said Lalitha, a daily commuter who uses the station to travel to work.
Beyond the lighting issue, commuters and residents alleged that the subway was frequently used by men to consume alcohol. Empty bottles, food waste and litter could be found strewn across parts of the passage. “It doesn’t look like the subway is cleaned regularly,” said a nearby fruit vendor.
Residents have earlier flagged shoddy restoration and gaps in the routine upkeep of the subway at the railway station
Commuters demand better security presence, saying that poor lighting combined with men loitering about discourages women and children from using the subway. “We’re not asking for major changes,” said Lalitha. “Just a few more working lights, and proper maintenance would make a big difference," she said.
Earlier reports in DT Next had highlighted maintenance-related issues at the subway, with residents flagging gaps in routine upkeep. The subway is a critical pedestrian link. Residents have said that the subway that reopened to the public following months of restoration works is not up to the mark, failing to provide a safer alternative to crossing railway tracks. Southern railway officials have not responded to the queries.