In a move that would bring sheer joy to the residents and regular train commuters, the railway officials have laid cornerstone for the construction of a Foot Over Bridge (FOB) across St Thomas Mount railway station.
“The struggle has been in place for four years and this progress certainly comes as a huge relief to the neighbourhood residents and commuters. We have to cross the track to reach Alandur from Adambakkam,” said Federation of Adambakkam Welfare Associations (FAWA) president, Augustine David.
A joint inspection with officers from Southern Railways, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) was also held in the last week of February to bring a solution to people crossing the death gorge.
It has to be noted that the Line Crossing 15 on Masthan Gowri Street in Adambakkam was closed a decade ago when the railway officials had declared to not operate unmanned gates to prevent accidents and deaths. The alternate solution suggested was subway. In 2015, the GCC sanctioned a sum of Rs 2.9 crores to Southern Railways for the project. However, the project failed to clear when a feasibility study was conducted, following which the corporation officials notified to return the grant.
Since then FAWA had been organising talks with government officials on this burning issue. “We suggested them to construct a FOB and pressed on it,” said he.
“We have been informed that the railway officials will soon commence the project. However, the drawing plan is awaiting to be approved as it is being collided with a drainage pipe in Adambakkam side,” added Augustine.
The bridge is essential as right next to the station is a school where thousands of children study. Students can be spotted crossing the track during peak hours as there has been no other alternate facility available to reach the school. “Because of the absence of the bridge, elderly residents and school children end up meeting with accidents,” he
stated.
“I remember the project being shelved for various technical reasons twice in the past, but with utmost persevarance the federation fought vehemently with the authorities and convinced them to re-design the project and ensured that the project get it’s life,” commented FAWA legal advisor Anand.
General secretary Saravanan and treasurer Babu were also involved in the meetings held with officials. The federation recognized Alandur Constituency MLA T M Anbarasan for raising the issue in assembly session.
While one railway official refused to divulge information about the project, calls made by this paper to senior officials were left unanswered.