Chennai: After Deccan Chronicle published a story on the alarming rise in the deaths due to trespass on railway tracks at Annanur railway station, the Southern Railway took up the construction of the long pending foot overbridge (FOB), put on hold for over 20 years. With no alternative for commuters to switch platforms other than jaywalking, nearly 5,000 people have lost their lives over the period.
“The railway board recently released funds for the completion of all FOB projects in the city after the stampede incident on a narrow railway bridge in Mumbai that killed 23 persons three months ago. Work at Annanur will be completed in six months,” said a senior official from Southern Railway.
Located between Thirumullaivoyal and Avadi, an average of 20,000 people commute through local train daily. They are primarily college students and those employed in industrial units in the vicinity including Avadi, Ambattur, Villivakkam, Perambur and Chennai Central.
Residents were happy after Southern Railway finally decided to take up the work. “Crows pecking on left over human flesh on the railway tracks has become a common side for people in Annanur. Around 15 years ago, a pillar was erected in the name of FOB construction, and nobody was seen thereafter. Now, the construction of FOB would mean we can join our children in schools on the other side without the fear of them being killed,” said G.KavithaThirumugam, a resident of the area.
Moreover, as the stretch between Avadi to Annanur is a power saving area, the lights are switched off in the night and are back on only 100 metres ahead of the station. This coupled with increased number of tipplers due to a Tasmac shop in close proximity was the prime concern of residents.
