Service Road Closure Near Kathivakkam Station Causes Commuter Discontent

In Ennore, Chennai, the closure of service roads on both sides of Kathivakkam railway station has caused significant inconvenience for thousands of daily commuters, including industrial workers from Ashok Leyland and nearby units. This closure, reportedly linked to safety measures for the high-speed Vande Bharat Express, has forced commuters to take longer routes, adding nearly 5 km to their journeys. The construction of a compound wall along the tracks has further complicated access, with some commuters resorting to using gaps in the wall to cross.

Local CPM functionary K Venkataiah highlighted the impact on residents and workers from areas such as Ashok Leyland Main Gate, Anna Nagar, and Shastri Nagar. In response, the party plans to protest against the railway authorities on May 29. An Ashok Leyland employee, who has used the service road for 28 years, expressed frustration over the lack of connectivity, noting that the existing Foot Over Bridge (FOB) does not link the service roads to the station platforms.

Railway officials have justified the compound wall as a safety measure to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and animals due to the high-speed train operations. They acknowledged the issue and mentioned that a proposal for a new FOB is under consideration to provide safe access to the station without crossing the tracks. This development aims to address commuter concerns and improve connectivity in the area.