Every time a train chugs into the Chepauk station, an astonishing scene unfolds. Everyone’s gaze is directed at the gate at the eastern side of the station, which marks the boundary between the Public Works Department and the Southern Railway.
The sweepers and Railway Police Personnel turn to look at the gate, almost instinctively, to watch commuters, mostly youngsters, march towards the gate and wait patiently for their turn to jump over the gate. The gate is kept locked, except during rush hour for the benefit of PWD staff.
“The gate was put up after many people started using the premises of the Public Works Department premises as a thoroughfare, which provides an easy access to Marina Beach and Bharathi Salai in Triplicane from Walajah Salai for vehicle-users,” State and Central government staff said.
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K. Mani, a college-student, said, “Steps have been constructed near the gate to keep vehicle users at bay. The gate can be kept open, at least for the pedestrians and commuters going to the station.”
Though the gate is very rusty, people just climb over it. It has not helped keep them at bay.
The other day, a school student was climbing down when her dupatta got struck in one of the knobs of the gate. Luckily, she escaped unhurt. The gate is in a bad condition and might fall anytime.
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We have warned the commuters and pedestrians. But, they don’t listen to us. They prefer the short cut, the government staff pointed out.
Day by day, there has been increase in the number of people climbing over the gate.