CHENNAI: Redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and inaugurated in May 2025, the St Thomas Mount railway station still lacks lifts or escalators at the main entrance, making access difficult for passengers with luggage, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Commuters say the improvements have not translated into ease of movement, even though the Southern Railway redeveloped the station at Rs 11.05 crore. With the opening of a new ticket counter, the main entrance has become the most used access point, but the steep staircases make hauling heavy luggage a task.
"The new ticket counter at the main entrance has certainly helped, because earlier we had to go to the rear side to buy tickets. Most passengers enter through this side, and there is no escalator or lift here. Even on the platform, the escalator works only in the upward direction. When you are travelling with luggage, it becomes extremely difficult," said Sheba Oommen, a Nanganallur resident who frequently uses the station.
During a visit, several passengers were seen struggling to climb the stairs, with some carrying bags on their heads. Commuters pointed out that while an escalator exists elsewhere in the station, it is located far from the main entrance and remains largely unused.
The stairs are very steep. The escalator is too far inside, and many people are unaware. So many end up using these stairsA passenger
While the Railways has highlighted new booking offices, modular toilets, upgraded shelters and digital facilities as part of the redevelopment, passengers feel the lack of basic vertical access facilities has diminished the benefits of the upgrade, particularly at a station that serves as a crucial interchange with Metro Rail and the MRTS.
Responding to the concerns, a senior Southern Railway official said a new foot overbridge with five lifts and two escalators has been sanctioned to improve passenger convenience. The work, the official said, would be taken up in due course.