It’s time to return. This is for all those who stopped going to the Chintadripet MRTS dreading the steep flight of stairs. The two lifts in the station have started working after a lull that lasted three years. Also, the parking space is going to be expanded to accommodate more four-wheelers.
Both these services can be expected to make the station more attractive. The station is used by hundreds of people who working in government and private companies.
The additional parking space is possible because the Southern Railway has evicted 20 shops that were illegally occupying the MRTS Chintadripet premises for years. These commercial establishments include a parcel service, omni-bus operators and a printing centre.
The shops were leased out to an agency in 1993 when the station was constructed under the Metropolitan Transport Projects.
“The agency sub-let to others who refused to move out after the contract period got over.
Since 1996, a case has been on against these illegal establishments,” said an official. Three more establishments are yet to vacate from the station premises: they have obtained a stay.
The Southern Railway is exploring a number of options to make better use of the premises.
Sources say the parking space will be increased, for the station receives the most number of footfalls, after Velachery, Thirumayilai, and Chepauk.
Many leave their two- and four-wheelers at the station premises to commute to their offices at Greenways Road, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, and Velachery.
Currently, 60-70 four-wheelers can be parked at the covered parking. Another 20 can be accommodated once the basement shops are demolished. The portion outside the station recently got a garden and the space around it will also be used to accommodate four-wheelers.
Limra Elevators, the agency that undertook repair of the lifts, says the controller, rope and other engineering parts in the lift had to be replaced. “Work on the escalators is going to be even more challenging. It should take at least six months,” says Mohamed Mahuboob, owner, Limra Elevators. Many commuters hope the lifts will remain functional for long.
“I once helped an old lady with a hunch to take the stairs. Mid-way, the train arrived and she asked me to leave,” says V. Suganthi, a regular commuter.
“Seniors and physically-challenged should not be put to such inconvenience at public places.”
