Members of various commuter forums have urged Indian Railway officials to initiate measures to improve passenger amenities in stations and also complete long-pending projects in the city and its suburbs.
The commuters met P. V. Vaithiyalingam, Advisor (Finance), Indian Railway Board and urged him to take action to complete incomplete subways and bridges. Traffic and Transportation Forum and Chromepet Rail Users Forum submitted memorandums to him and urged the early completion of Radha Nagar vehicular subway, construction of a foot-over-bridge at Perungalathur railway station and basic amenities for commuters at all railway stations between Chennai Beach and Tambaram.
Speaking on the occasion, project director, Traffic and Transportation Forum, V. Rama Rao, said, “The Velachery – St. Thomas Mount Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) extension work has once again stalled since its commencement eight years ago. Though legal hurdles have been cleared, no announcements were made in this year Railway budget on its commencement. With the Chennai Metro Rail expected to be operational soon, revenue is bound to increase for Southern Railway and Metropolitan Transport Corporation,” he said.
In his reply, Mr. Vaithiyalingam, said, “The Velachery – St. Thomas Mount MRTS extension work would be completed as soon as the legal hurdles are cleared as the issue is pending in Apex Court.” Regarding Radha Nagar Subway, a joint meeting with the Southern Railway, State government and Pallavaram Municipality will be held soon to clear the hurdles, and expedite the work, he assured.
