Construction of a subway across the railway tracks between Manickapuram near Melapudur and Kemps Town in the city is more than a two-decade old demand of residents of Mudaliyarchathiram and neighbouring colonies.
The demand had been raised repeatedly at several meetings of the Tiruchi Corporation Council. At last, the subway has become a reality with the civic body completing the construction.
It has been built at a cost of ₹90 lakh. It has retaining walls running to a length of 55 meters. Arrangements have been built to drain out stagnant water during rainy season.
Two-5HP diesel and electric motors have been set up to drain out water.
Besides pedestrians, the subway can be used by motorcyclists. It can accommodate light vehicles such as autorickshaws and small cars.
The subway is likely to be opened for public shortly.
Corporation Commissioner cum Special Officer N. Ravichandran told The Hindu that the subway would immensely benefit residents of Mudaliar Chathiram, Kemps Town, Santhiyagappar Street and Melapudur in their commute. So far residents had to take a detour via Goodshed Road to reach the Melapudur main road. But many were crossing the railway tracks illegally, exposing themselves to danger. Hereafter, they could use the subway to reach their destinations.
There are three popular schools, besides a number of offices, commercial establishments and hospitals in Melapudur.
The students had to cross the railway tracks to reach their schools. A number of accidents had been reported in the recent past and the subway would prevent such accidents.