Southern Railway to invest in improving station premises

Chennai: Based on commuter complaints and to provide a better experience to commuters to outskirts of Chennai, Southern Railway is planning to invest in improving access areas at stations between Chengalpet and Villupuram.  About 18 stations on the way like Tirumani, Ottivakkam, Tindivanam, Karunguzhi will have improved and leveled road around the station and surface runoff drains around them.

“Initial cost of Rs 2 crore has been considered for the same. There were regular complaints about lack of upkeep of the stations, so we have decided to improve the surroundings,” said a railway official. Tenders for the work have been floated but finances have not been finalized yet, according to a senior official.

“Proper leveling of roads leading to stations in these areas and parking facilities, but without a shed, will be provided,” he added. Commuters, however, said there are no issues with cleanliness at stations like Tindivanam and Villupuram but improvement in parking is a good move.

“I travel to Villupuram for work purposes some days. It is neatly maintained. Only at a few places, especially flower pots, garbage gets accumulated because people don’t use dustbins. Maybe if proper surface drains are provided, water logging during rains can be avoided which otherwise becomes a filthy scene,” said commuter K. Subramanian.