Delays in Ambattur Subway Force Pedestrians to Risk Dangerous Track Crossings

Pedestrians in Ambattur continue to risk their lives crossing active railway tracks at the Ambattur Railway Station as construction on a limited-use subway to replace level crossing 6 remains unfinished.

The subway project, extending from MTS Road to Kallikuppam Road, is being jointly executed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Southern Railway at an estimated cost of around Rs 10 crore. Although construction began in 2023 with an expected timeline of 18 months, delays have left local commuters without a safe and direct crossing.

Nearly 100 people cross the tracks every hour, including residents from Venkatapuram and Varadarajapuram, as well as workers commuting to the Ambattur Industrial Estate. Without an accessible crossing, pedestrians frequently dart across the tracks just moments ahead of passing express and suburban trains.

According to L Saravanan, president of the Ambattur Rail Commuters Welfare Association, the only alternative route—a bridge on MTH Road—adds roughly half a kilometre to the journey. For pedestrians heading to the market near the station, the long detour has made crossing the tracks a routine risk.

Commuters have also raised concerns about the design of the upcoming subway. Out of its total 12-foot width, only five feet is earmarked for pedestrians, with the remainder allocated for two-wheelers. Saravanan noted that the allotted pedestrian space is insufficient, prompting demands for an additional foot overbridge.

Southern Railway officials indicated that the GCC has nearly finished the approach roads on both the Venkatapuram and Varadarajapuram sides. Southern Railway is currently constructing a ramp connecting the subway to the platforms, with officials estimating that the project may be completed in about two months.