CHENNAI: The newly constructed vehicular subway in Chromepet has landed in controversy, as the subway, costing around Rs 15 crore, cannot be fully used due to constraints in traffic management.
Radha Nagar Main Road in Chromepet connects the locality to GST Road and crosses the LC-27 railway level crossing. For decades, frequent gate closures had caused severe traffic congestion, affecting lakhs of commuters.
To address this, the Highways and Railways had jointly began constructing a subway in 2009 at an estimated cost of Rs 14.75 crore. However, due to land acquisition issues and other delays, the project dragged on for nearly 16 years. And, now, it’s ready for inauguration.
Preparations were underway to open the subway and permanently close the LC-27 railway gate. The Railways had even sought approval from the Chengalpattu District Collector.
Before granting permission, the District Collector sought a traffic feasibility report from the Tambaram City Police Commissionerate. In its report, the traffic police stated that although the subway has been built as a two-way facility, it lacks a central median and is not suitable for smooth two-way vehicular movement.
Trial runs revealed that traffic could flow safely only from Radha Nagar towards GST Road. “Allowing vehicles from GST Road into Radha Nagar through the subway would lead to severe congestion,” the report said.
As a result, the police have not recommended permanent closure of the LC-27 railway gate, stating that it must continue to operate to allow one-way movement from GST Road to Radha Nagar. This means that even after the subway becomes operational, it can function only as a one-way route.
This has triggered strong reactions from residents. Social activist and New Colony RWA president, V Santhanam, said, “People had fought for over 20 years for the subway, only to find that it may now be underutilised. Authorities have to find a permanent solution to avoid wasting public money and further inconveniencing residents.”