PUDUCHERRY: Improperly laid concrete slabs and stones at railway gates on major roads in Puducherry following the annual maintenance of the railway track between Villupuram and Puducherry have caused difficulties for commuters. Several people have slipped and sustained injuries, prompting residents to demand immediate action to prevent serious accidents.
A few weeks ago, the railway department began its annual maintenance work, replacing tracks, sleepers, and support stones. However, due to a lack of proper supervision, workers placed slabs and stones improperly at railway gates on Cuddalore Road, Poincare Road, Reddiyarpalayam, and Vannarapet near Puducherry Railway Station.
"We wonder why the railway officials did not notice this. They should have been present during the work and guided the workers. The improper alignment of concrete slabs and stones has made it difficult for vehicles to pass, especially two-wheelers. People are slipping and getting injured. At the same time, tyres of three-wheelers and four-wheelers, including cars and light motor vehicles, are getting stuck between the stones and slabs," said A Nathan, a resident of Karamanikuppam.
According to sources from rural Puducherry, similar issues exist at smaller railway gates up to Chinna Babu Samudram. The problem has also affected traffic flow, with vehicles getting stuck in long queues during peak hours.
"I slipped while riding my two-wheeler at Cuddalore Road railway gate on Thursday and narrowly escaped being hit by a bus. Despite informing the railway staff at the gate, no proper response was given. I have now started taking alternative routes like Oupalam Road or the overhead bridge on Hundred Feet Road, which adds two to three kilometers to my travel distance," said Sarala Mathew from Mudaliarpet.
Residents expect railway officials to take immediate action to rectify the issue. When contacted, an official from the Southern Railway Tiruchy Division assured that necessary steps would be taken soon.
Meanwhile, the public is also awaiting the opening of the railway subway on Hundred Feet Road. The subway, constructed by the Public Works Department, Government of Puducherry, was completed a few months ago but has not yet been opened for use.
"During the rainy season, water stagnated in the subway, and it was later drained. We thought it would be opened soon. The subway will be useful for people in Peter Nagar, John Paul Nagar, Jhansi Nagar, and Mariamman Nagar, saving travel distance and providing an alternative route when Poincare Road is blocked," said D Anand, a worker at a nearby workshop.