Unsafe Radha Nagar access leaves Chromepet pedestrians at risk
A lack of a direct pedestrian path from Radha Nagar to Chromepet station platforms has pedestrians crossing tracks, after an 18-year-old student was killed on August 10. Local activists urge construction of a walkway linking the Radha Nagar area to Platforms 1 and 2, and call for safety campaigns.
Key takeaways
- Radha Nagar residents lack a direct pedestrian path to Chromepet station platforms, prompting track crossings.
- An 18-year-old student was killed on August 10 while crossing tracks on her first day of college.
- Activists have petitioned Railways and highlighted the subway's lack of direct platform access as a safety issue.
What Happened
Residents and commuters in Radha Nagar, on Chromepet's eastern side, report there is no safe, direct pedestrian route to the Chromepet station platforms from their locality. As a result, people cross the railway tracks to reach the platforms or nearby destinations. On August 10, an 18-year-old student was run over while attempting to cross the tracks on her first day of college. After the incident, Railway authorities placed barriers on the tracks, but access still occurred via the tracks, according to observations by The Hindu. The subway that was opened earlier this year does not connect directly to Platforms 1 and 2 and links instead to GST Road.
Activists and residents point to the absence of a pedestrian walkway or access road from the Radha Nagar area to the platforms, noting that other subways in the region provide pedestrian access to platforms. There is mention of ongoing modernization work by Railways nationwide, and local funding constraints cited by officials as a hurdle to addressing public safety concerns and running awareness programs. Local advocates say a safer connector could involve an escalator or lift facing Radha Nagar, and suggest administrative action to clear obstructions near the Station Road end to improve access.
Why It Matters
Advocates frame the issue as a safety gap that leaves students and women particularly exposed to train-track crossings. They have sought a direct pedestrian connection to reduce the need to cross tracks and to guide the public toward safer, designated access routes. The incident and ensuing response highlight tensions between urgent safety needs and perceived limitations in funding and infrastructure planning.
Background
The Chromepet station area includes a Radha Nagar neighbourhood on its eastern side. A railway-subway connection exists but reportedly does not offer direct access to Platforms 1 and 2 from Radha Nagar. A court directive in the prior year requested Railways to consider a pedestrian walkway linking the subway with the platforms, but no such connection had been completed by January of the current year when the subway opened. Local groups have previously filed petitions seeking an access route and safety measures.
Key Facts
- Radha Nagar and Chromepet station are the focal points of a pedestrian access dispute.
- An 18-year-old student died on August 10 while crossing tracks near Chromepet station on her first day of college.
- The subway opened earlier this year but reportedly lacks a direct pedestrian link to Platforms 1 and 2; it connects to GST Road instead.
- A writ petition was filed in November last year seeking a pedestrian walkway between the subway and the platforms; the court directed Railways to consider the recommendation within six weeks.
- Railways have placed sheets to block track access after the death, but pedestrians have nonetheless continued to cross the tracks in visits by reporters.
- Local activists have called for an escalator or lift facing Radha Nagar and for removing obstructions on Station Road to improve access.
What Happens Next
Activists say they plan to approach the Chief Commercial Officer of Southern Railway with a request for a safe pedestrian connection and for safety-awareness campaigns. They also advocate administrative steps to clear access routes and to improve connectivity between Radha Nagar and the station platforms. A court reminder or further proceedings may follow if Railways does not implement a direct pedestrian pathway.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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