Catherine J, a resident of Pazhavanthangal, who takes the Metro route to her home frequently, said that the spot has a nauseating smell of urine pervading it. 

“People are using this spot as a urinal. Passing by it and crossing over to the other side through the smell, every day, is a difficult task. When they have spent so much to make the station clean and appealing, I think authorities, should also take steps to ensure all passages linked to the exit and entry points are tidy and accessible,” she said. She added that the dimly lit passage makes women like her feel unsafe. 

“There should be sufficient lighting before it becomes a happy hunting ground for muggers and chain snatchers,” she pointed out. Sneha V, a resident of Porur who travels to Egmore every day by Metro, said that there is a possibility of food waste being dumped nearby. 

“There is a restaurant on the station premises and by night, you can smell rotten food. I think they should be made to dispose of the contents of the bins more frequently,” she added. Manikandan, a resident of Alandur, pointed out there were toilets in the bus terminus nearby. 

“So it is surprising that people have been using the passage as a urinal. But one must check the toilets to see why they are not being used as much as they should be. Maybe there isn’t enough water,” he said, adding that entire stretch leading to the bus terminus and outside is an ideal spot for notorious elements lurking around in the dark. 

“Despite it seeing a steady stream of commuters, there is not enough lighting on the road all the way leading to the rear entrance of the Chennai Egmore Station or the other side of Poonamalle High Road. This is an important entry point as it is closer to the terminus and the suburban station, though there is a main entrance further down the road,” he said.