Lack of lighting in Perungalathur subway forces users to cross tracks

The commuters said that the subway has been dark for the past two months without any lights during the day time and the officials were switching on the lights only after the sun set. The women commuters said that they were afraid to use the pitch dark subway as anti-social elements could invade their safety.

Sources said that the subway construction was started in 2017 after repeated requests from the people and railways took two years to finish the construction. Only in February 2019, the railways had opened the subway for public use.

The opening of the subway put an end to the railway commuters using tracks to cross but the practice resumed once again two months back due to the improper light facilities in the subway. “I am afraid to use the dark subway, so instead I am crossing the tracks to reach the other side since it feels safer,” said Saranya, a regular commuter.

The locals claimed that Perungalathur railway station lacks the basic amenities like proper shelter and lighting. They said that there were no proper sign boards to guide the passengers from the subway to the ticket counter and to the platforms. Many commuters from other states were put to suffer as language barrier restricts the passengers from reaching their destination and left stranded on the pavements.

When contacted Tambaram SMR Srinivasan said, “Will immediately contact the electrical department and take steps to keep the lights on during the day.”