Commuters face access problems at Avadi station even after escalators are to be installed

For N. Harish, a regular commuter at the railway station, everyday he has to take a train from Avadi station is a source of annoyance. Despite the presence of escalators in the railway station, not installing access routes from both sides of the railway station continue to pose access issues, he says

Avadi railway station has become an important hub for several commuters bound for the city from west section. Previously Perambur railway station had this status as a transport hub but with the expansion of the city, Ambattur and Avadi have become transport nodal points in the north of the city, because of the presence of bus terminus nearby. 

At Avadi, the bus terminus along CTH Road is located on the north side of the station. Similarly on the south side, the Army Road links several residential localities till Kumananchavadi to the railway station. 

Moreover with several defence establishments located in Avadi the locality has gained a cosmopolitan status with the Southern Railways designating it an ‘A’ category station and marking a stop there for a few long distance trains. The railway station also has dedicated suburban train services operated to Moore Market complex and Beach railway stations. 

Hundreds of commuters using the railway station find that access to it is an uphill task particularly women commuters and passengers carrying heavy luggage and intending to catch the long distance trains at Dr. MGR Chennai central station. 

Railway activist T. Sadagopan said as an A category railway station, certain minimum amenities are mandatory - including escalators, waiting area and other passenger amenities. While the railway officials are involved in installing escalators linking the four platforms to the foot over bridge (FOB) no escalators are being installed at the entrance of the railway station. Passengers with heavy luggage coming from both north and south sides of the station would have to climb the steep steps to reach the FOB and then take the escalator to access the platforms, he added. 

Railway commuters of Avadi point out that officials should have provided escalators at the entrance also,at least on the north side. 

R. Dwarakesh, a resident of Pattabhiram, said when escalators are provided on both sides of the Tambaram railway station, it was strange that the same was not provided in Avadi railway station also. 

Commuters have also requested a subway to be provided linking north and south sides of the railway station and parking space for vehicles. 

 A senior official of the Southern Railway said in Avadi railway station three escalators would be commissioned shortly. Also once the escalators are up and running funds have been allotted for installing three lifts for which work is to begin.