Steep footsteps on the newly-built steel foot over bridge (FOB) connecting Moore Market complex railway station to the Park railway station is a concern for pedestrians.
The bridge was built by the Chennai Metro Rail over a month ago to allow pedestrians to cross the busy stretch as more space was taken up for the metro work. But the steep fight of stairs discourages many pedestrians, especially senior citizens to use the facility. Many prefer the alternative – a narrow pathway earmarked by the Metro Rail on PH Road.
“The new bridge does not have a covered roof. When it rains, pedestrians get drenched. Also, the bridge turns slippery making it difficult to use,” said K. Shanta, a commuter from Perambur.
Hundreds of commuters from the Park Town MRTS and Park station on the suburban line take the bridge as they cannot use the subway in front of the Moore Market Complex due to the metro rail work.
As the stops for buses going to the main city and its outskirts are located opposite the Central railway station, the subway was the main connectivity between the two points. The two new steel bridges – one in front of the Central railway station and another in front of the Moore Market complex railway station – have come up as additional facilities. “Crossing the PH Road is an impossible task as there is often a continuous flow of vehicles. When PH Road becomes slushy due to rains, the narrow lane provided for pedestrians is too crowded and many a time, senior citizens slip and fall. Despite its limitations, the bridge is the only alternative for us to cross the road,” said V. Mathivanan, a resident of Choolai.
According to railway officials, the bridge is a temporary arrangement to allow the smooth progress of the metro rail work. The site at Chennai Central is meant for a Metro Rail underground station.
