Tambaram's GST Road Foot Overbridge Becomes a Commuter Nightmare
The absence of functional escalators and significant delays in installing lifts on either side of GST Road at Tambaram has created a severe accessibility crisis for thousands of daily commuters. This situation is particularly challenging for senior citizens and patients visiting government hospitals in the vicinity, turning a routine crossing into an arduous task.
A Critical Pedestrian Link in Disrepair
This foot overbridge stands as one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the Chennai suburb, serving as a vital connector for numerous important locations. It links the Tambaram Sanatorium bus terminus, Siddha Hospital, Tambaram Government Hospital, Tambaram Court, and the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ). During peak hours, pedestrian traffic surges dramatically, with estimates suggesting nearly 10,000 individuals utilize the bridge daily. This diverse user base includes elderly residents, hospital patients, people with disabilities, office-goers, and students, all of whom now face considerable difficulty.
History of Neglect and Failed Infrastructure
Four years ago, escalators were installed at foot overbridges in Tambaram, Tambaram Sanatorium, and Chromepet as part of an initiative to improve pedestrian mobility. However, these installations have been plagued by persistent malfunctions and poor maintenance. Instead of undertaking repairs, authorities made the controversial decision to dismantle the escalators at Tambaram Sanatorium approximately four months ago. Since that removal, no alternative arrangements or temporary solutions have been provided to assist commuters.
Compounding the problem, the planned lift installation work has remained incomplete for over a year. This dual failure of infrastructure leaves commuters with no choice but to navigate steep staircases to cross the heavily trafficked state highway, posing significant risks and physical strain.
Voices from the Affected Community
Local residents and activists have expressed deep frustration over the prolonged neglect. Syed Shamsudeen, a resident-activist from Pallavaram, highlighted the recurring nature of the escalator failures. "The escalators have broken down frequently over the past four years," he stated. "Highways department officials dismantled them four months ago, and since then, there has been no action taken to address the situation."
V Santhanam, a resident of Chromepet, echoed these concerns, pointing to a broader pattern of dysfunction. "In Chromepet and Tambaram, the escalators are in a complete mess. When the escalator near Chromepet railway station stops working, it takes several days for a mechanic to arrive and attempt a fix. Often, just a couple of days after repair, the escalator breaks down again," he explained, underscoring the cycle of temporary fixes and recurrent failures.
Official Response and Promised Timeline
In response to mounting public outcry, M Thirunavukarasu, the divisional engineer, has provided an update on the stalled projects. "We have ordered five new pairs of escalators," he announced. "These will be installed at key locations including Tambaram Sanatorium, Chromepet, and Taramani Link Road. We are working to ensure the installation is completed by February 15."
While this announcement offers a glimmer of hope, the extended period of inaction has already imposed considerable hardship on the community. The daily struggle to cross GST Road remains a pressing issue, highlighting the urgent need for reliable and accessible public infrastructure in Chennai's suburban areas.
