Walking on a ‘deadly’ track at Perungalathur

Despite warning from railway authorities that walking on railway track is a punishable offence with imprisonment for a term up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 1000 or both, commuters at Perungalathur station have no other option. 

“The station doesn’t have enough lights and people are being forced to cross the tracks to reach the railway station. Moreover, the ticket counter is located on the opposite side of the platform, so we should again cross the tracks to buy our tickets,” said Moorthy (45), an employee at a private company in Perungalathur. 

The manned railway crossing that was used by passengers was closed two years ago for the construction of the over bridge. Following this, many people have lost their lives attempting to cross the rail tracks, including five school students.

“Even the kids and ladies are forced to jump off the platform and cross the other side to buy train tickets which is very dangerous,” said Janani (22), an IT employee. 

The residents complained that the subway construction which was began in May, was supposed to get over before the month of October but was not yet completed. Moreover, the pathway is in a terrible condition, especially during the rainy season, lamented the railway passengers.

When asked, Jayachandran, maintenance in-charge of Perungalathur railway station, has said, “The subway work was almost over, but we couldn’t continue further as the rainy season has started and the soil has become wet. Once the rain stopped and the soil is being set, the work will be completed soon.”