Chennai: Velacheri Railway station is an important public utility. However, residents and commuters feel that the station has not been developed much and want changes to be made here.
Many say the station just has basic amenities and want it to be made like Thiruvanmiyur station.
Resident of Spic Nagar, Marimuthu says, “Other than a booking counter and platforms, it has nothing else. Most of the area inside the premises has been left vacant. There are no shops or food stalls.”
“Initially it was said a few book and vegetable stalls would be set up here. What happened to the original vision? Each time I use the facility, I find a new entry and exit point. Safety aspects should be improved even more.”
Poor lighting condition at the station vicinity leaves commuters in the lurch, and post 6 pm, there is a need for policemen to guide women through the premises.
As of now, passengers cross over the tracks to reach the other platform. But, once the connectivity to St Thomas Mount Station is complete, it would put such people in danger. It is not an ideal thing to do, say many.
S Kumararaja of Annai Indira Nagar says, “There are too many entry and exit points. I feel the station is exposed to many dangers because of this. Added to this, vehicles are left in the open with no proper shelter or security.”
He further states that recently several shops set up on the Station road were removed. “Now that the stretch has been cleared, it has become a less safer for commuters to walk here. This calls for an Railway Protection Force (RPF) outpost to be set up. Inside the station, no CCTV cameras are available. I also feel a small food court will do well here,” suggests Kumararaja.