Unsafe access to platforms puts Radha Nagar pedestrians at risk
Lack of a direct walkway from newly opened subway forces commuters, including students, to take risky routes to Chromepet station
Radha Nagar residents and commuters are protesting the absence of a safe pedestrian path connecting their neighborhood to Chromepet railway station platforms. On August 10, a 18-year-old student, S. Rajashri, was fatally struck by an express train while crossing the tracks near the station on her first day of college. Activists argue that a tragic incident has underscored the urgent need for pedestrian access from Radha Nagar to Platforms 1 and 2.
Inaugurated this year, the subway lacks a direct pedestrian walkway or access road to the platforms, only connecting to GST Road. Similar subway systems in Meenambakkam, St. Thomas Mount, and Saidapet have pedestrian provisions leading to the railway stations.
C. Murugaiyan, secretary of the Federation of Civic and Welfare Associations, filed a writ petition with the Madras High Court in November last year, requesting the Railway Ministry to construct a pedestrian walkway linking the subway with Platforms 1 and 2. Despite the court's directive to consider the proposal within six weeks, the pedestrian connection remains unprovided even after the subway's opening in January.
Hundreds, especially young female students, continue to walk along the tracks, endangering their lives. The Railways have blocked the tracks temporarily, but students persistently use them.
A senior Government Railway Police officer attributed the lack of action to budget constraints and the ongoing modernization drive across the country. Meanwhile, V. Santhanam, president of the Chromepet Rail Users Forum, submitted a representation to the Chief Commercial Officer of Southern Railway, requesting a safe pedestrian connection and awareness campaigns against crossing tracks.
An escalator or lift facing Radha Nagar could mitigate the issue, he suggested. Tambaram Corporation should also clear some shops blocking access towards Radha Nagar Main Road, he added.
V. Ganesh, Rajashri's relative, lamented the young woman's academic excellence and cultural achievements, stressing the shock and disbelief surrounding her untimely death. He urged young girls and the public to avoid crossing tracks and utilize designated access points when available.
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