Residents of Tambaram in Chennai are raising an alarm over the deplorable and hazardous state of a crucial underpass, highlighting a severe failure in civic maintenance and public safety. The Irumbuliyur underpass, located near the East Tambaram railway station, has become a nightmare for daily commuters due to a lack of basic amenities and persistent sewage flooding.
A Costly Infrastructure Now a Health Hazard
Constructed in 2018 at a significant cost of ₹2 crore, this 120-metre underpass was designed as part of a flyover-cum-grade separator project. Its purpose was to efficiently connect the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road and Mudichur Road in West Tambaram with Velachery Main Road in East Tambaram. Thousands of motorists rely on it daily to bypass the busy Tambaram flyover. However, the reality on the ground is starkly different from its intended function.
V Saritha, the secretary of the Ganesh Nagar Residents' Welfare Association, paints a grim picture. "It doesn't matter if it's summer or monsoon; sewage keeps seeping in," she states. Despite the overwhelming foul stench, commuters are forced to use the underpass to avoid traffic snarls near the Tambaram Railway Station. The situation deteriorates dangerously during the monsoon, with stagnant water levels rising up to hip height, making passage extremely risky.
Complete Lack of Safety and Basic Amenities
The problems extend far beyond just sewage. The underpass suffers from a complete absence of essential infrastructure, turning it into a security threat after dark.
"There are no pavements or proper lighting in the underpass. After 6.30pm, the area becomes unsafe as tipplers take over," explains Saritha. The lack of CCTV cameras exacerbates the fear of crime. Residents have lodged complaints, but they face a bureaucratic run-around. Civic officials have reportedly stated that the underpass falls under the jurisdiction of the railways, shifting the responsibility.
A Systemic Problem Across Tambaram
This issue is not isolated to the Irumbuliyur underpass alone. C Murugaiyan, secretary of the Federation of Civic and Residents Welfare Association in Tambaram, points out a systemic failure. "Most of the underpasses in Tambaram don't have proper pavements. There's seepage even in the newly opened Radha Nagar subway," he reveals. The core problem, according to him, is a chronic lack of maintenance by the concerned authorities.
In response to the growing outcry, railway officials have indicated that an inspection will be conducted soon. They have also promised to install lights and cameras in the underpass. However, residents remain skeptical, having heard similar assurances in the past while continuing to navigate a public utility that is unsafe, unhygienic, and a glaring example of neglected infrastructure.
