Chennai: Ambattur Railway Station is one of the most crowded suburban spots. However, safety has not been the forte at the station even as the city is moving towards the digital age.
Social activist Pavithra Ravi brought the issue up with News Today. She said, “People are still crossing the railway crossing despite the perils that come with it. Safety is not considered by residents one bit.”
Although there is a foot over bridge (FOB) for safely getting to the other side, people find it easy to just walk past the crossing, residents state.
“When there is an easy route or the right route, people choose the easy way. It always is the case. The crossing is for vehicles to cross when there is no train coming by. However, commuters and pedestrians alike, cross the place no matter what,” said Harish, a resident.
Asked why they do that, Janaki, a commuter said, “It is easier than walking up the stairs right? We take caution when we cross the line.” Barath, another commuter said, “It is not fair when one considers that people are ready to risk their lives rather than use the stairs. The government spent our tax money to build the staircase and yet people decide to do so.”
The worst thing however is the fact that motorists too follow the pedestrians, said Dhivakar, a resident. “At any given time, when the gates are not open, one can see bikers and pedestrians crossing the tracks. It is sad that they do that. There is an alternative route but because it is longer, people prefer to practice such an exercise that throws safety right out of the window,” he said.
“Trying to reason with them is almost useless. The government must ensure that guards are placed at such crossings so that no mishap occurs. We all read about people dying while hastily crossing train tracks. We do not understand the importance of it unless, unfortunately, we see it with our own eyes. The Railways and the government must sort this issue quickly. It is not just an issue that is present here. I think it is a nation-wide problem that needs sorting,” added Dhivakar. Residents hope the issue will be rectified by the authorities concerned at the earliest.