Nearly hidden beneath the railway tracks in Perambur, lies a crucial limited-use subway of Kasturi Bai Gandhi Nagar, weathered and unsafe for two-wheeler drivers. Two-wheeler riders duck daily, using this low-height subway as a two-way path.
K. Shekhar, 65, a regular commuter, said, “The subway has been in use since I was a child. My father used to drive me through it. It has been in poor condition for several years. The narrow pathway has led to frequent collisions while riding.” This subway was constructed to avoid the congested level crossing near Perambur Railway Station. The level crossing has been replaced with a flyover, the latter inaugurated in March 2010.
The responsibility for the subway’s maintenance is contested by the Railways and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). Notably, a new and better subway was commissioned by the Railways adjacent to this one last year.
Regarding safety concerns, he suggested that if the road were properly dug up and relaid, the height problem may be minimised, and widening the tunnel model with precast modules can lower the chances of vehicles jamming against each other.
Raghukumar C. of the Perambur Neighborhood Forum said during a recent meeting with both the Railways and GCC, officials said this subway will be redeveloped once the Ganeshapuram Flyover construction is completed. “Thousands of commuters rely on this not only narrow but also very short subway, putting them at risk of head injuries. The two-way traffic often leads to brawls, especially during the monsoon when the passage gets inundated. Improperly designed and silt-ridden gutter that drains floodwater into the stormwater drain along the tracks on the north side adds to woes,” he said.
According to a senior official in the Railways Department, “Already, a full-fledged subway is available adjacent to this, commissioned last year. This small subway has been maintained by the GCC. A joint inspection with GCC for attending to the problems can be planned.”
Meanwhile, a GCC official in the Bridges Department refuted claims that the Chennai Corporation is responsible for the subway’s maintenance. “This subway is not a part of GCC’s official list of subways. A few months ago, GCC authorities, including the then Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) and zonal officials, had held talks with Railways regarding the damaged road and the condition of this passage. This pathway was initially opened for easy water flow during heavy rainfall, and not for vehicular usage. The Railways can take the call on barricading the subway to stop people from using it, considering safety issues,” he added.
Mr.Shekhar said that for many commuters, this subway is a “lifeline” to cross Perambur to get to and from areas such as Madhavarm or Moola Kadai, making its continued use necessary even if officials suggest otherwise. The new subway planned by the government is nearly two kilometres away. So, motorists will continue preferring this shortcut, he added.
Published – July 25, 2025 12:44 am IST
