The closure of a manned level crossing in Lalgudi after the construction of a road overbridge and the delay in building an underpass pose a serious risk to local residents and villagers in nearby areas.
According to railway officials, it is natural to close a level crossing every time a bridge is constructed. The level crossing at Lalgudi was closed on June 1 last. It was announced then that the closure was inevitable as the work on construction of an underpass was to be taken up.
Residents, however, say the railway gate was closed even before a road over bridge was thrown open to traffic.
The operation of town buses between Lalgudi and Anandhimedu, Idaiyathimangalam, Koohur, Patchampettai, Thathemangalam and Nannimangalam has been affected following the closure of the railway gate.
The residents also point out that town buses go from the bus stand on the western side and halt at the police station area on the eastern side via the railway gate.
Plea to expedite work
The volume of pedestrians, including students, using the unmanned level crossing peaks in the morning and evening.
Hence, they want the railways to expedite the work on the underpass.
At present, Southern Railway has put up a notice, warning pedestrians they are crossing the track at their own risk.
