Chennai: The newly rebuilt RBI subway on Rajaji Salai, plagued by waterlogging and structural issues, has become a major inconvenience for pedestrians. Navigating ankle-deep water while dodging motorists splashing stagnant water is a common struggle, making daily commute unsafe.
Pedestrians also face challenges on other fronts, with debris and waste blocking one side. "It's almost impossible to walk without slipping," said Arun Kumar S, a commuter from Parry's. Ongoing construction projects including a new railway line and a water tank further exacerbate the problem. "Rain makes it unbearable, and sometimes the water rises to hip level," said Rajarajan S, an auto driver from the RBI stand. Two-wheelers and autos frequently invade pedestrian lanes to avoid the deteriorated main road, creating additional hazards, particularly at night when visibility is low.
Frustration among residents and commuters is mounting, especially given the unfulfilled promise of a fully functional, safe subway. Greater Chennai Corporation's Zone 5 Chairman Sriramulu P acknowledged the problems, stating that the walkway towards the beach is blocked due to MRTS track work but will be restored once the project is completed. He also promised that surface repairs for the affected sections are underway and will be addressed soon.
Southern Railway authorities, however, have not responded to inquiries about the completion of the fourth railway line, leaving no clear timeline for resolving the ongoing disruption.