The recent repair of lifts and escalators in many Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) stations has brought some relief to commuters, especially senior citizens. However, commuters note that the facilities are working only sporadically and worry in the light of past experience that the facilities may get damaged soon.
Around 80,000 passengers commute by the MRTS network in 134 services operated daily through 17 stations. 13 stations — between Chintadripet and Perungudi — have lifts and escalators as they are on an elevated level.
Over the past year, lifts and escalators have not been working in various stations. Railway officials said that due to non-payment of contract amount, the person who was entrusted with the task of maintenance work had abandoned it.
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Recently, the contract was renewed and some facilities repaired but commuters fear the revival is most likely temporary. They complained that many school children play in the escalators and lifts and spoil them. B. Josephine, a season ticket holder commuting between Light House station and Velachery, said that the facilities became functional recently after nearly a year “But I am not sure how long it will continue to do so,” she said.
Another season ticket holder, M. Banu, a domestic help who commutes between Thiruvanmiyur and Perungudi, complained that the lift and escalators at Perungudi station continued to be faulty. “Luckily, the lifts at Thiruvanmiyur station have become operational,” she said. A Southern Railway official said that maintenance was on in a phased manner. “Soon, all the lifts or escalators will become operational,” he said.