Velachery FOBs turn anti-social elements' den
Chennai: Would you use a zig-zag foot over bridge (FOB) with multiple steps and long footpaths to cross a road when a pedestrian-friendly signal is just a few steps away? Probably not—unless you're there for an early morning workout or a casual hangout.
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This is exactly the case with the two FOBs located on Velachery–Taramani Link Road — one near the Baby Nagar Bus Stop and the other adjacent to the Taramani 100-Feet Road Bus Stop. The FOBs were inaugurated 10 years ago by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa as part of a 30 crore project to "ease congestion" on the road, but both now wear a deserted look. They are dysfunctional and have turned into an anti-social den, with alcohol bottles and cigarette butts strewn around.
The escalators do not work either.
"Most pedestrians directly cross the road using the two nearby signals. Youngsters even jump across the median barriers. The footfall declined further after the escalators stopped working," said Selvi, who runs a shop near Baby Nagar Bus Stop FOB.
Pedestrians flagged redundancy of the bridges, citing their complex design and long access paths. Claiming that traffic is usually manageable in the area, they said crossing at the signals was quicker and less tiring.
With poor upkeep and diminishing utility, residents also raised concerns about safety and sanitation. "At night, people sleep along the path with cigarettes and beer bottles," said Ganesan, a resident of Velachery.
Residents say it's better to demolish the FOBs so that the pavements can be reclaimed. However, these underused structures continue to receive funds and official backing. "People will start using the bridges once the escalators become functional.
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Do you want us to demolish them just because they are not used?" asked Velachery MLA J M H Aassan Maulaana.
The govt has plans to revive them. "We are planning to repair the escalators through the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme. The budget will be finalised soon," said Murugan, highways assistant engineer. "FOBs are a bad idea. These structures end up giving priority to cars while forcing pedestrians to climb and cross," said Sumana Narayanan of Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group.
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Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Velachery FOBs turn anti-social elements' den
Chennai: Would you use a zig-zag foot over bridge (FOB) with multiple steps and long footpaths to cross a road when a pedestrian-friendly signal is just a few steps away? Probably not—unless you're there for an early morning workout or a casual hangout. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is exactly the case with the two FOBs located on Velachery–Taramani Link Road — one near the Baby Nagar Bus Stop and the other adjacent to the Taramani 100-Feet Road Bus Stop. The FOBs were inaugurated 10 years ago by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa as part of a 30 crore project to "ease congestion" on the road, but both now wear a deserted look. They are dysfunctional and have turned into an anti-social den, with alcohol bottles and cigarette butts strewn around. The escalators do not work either. "Most pedestrians directly cross the road using the two nearby signals. Youngsters even jump across the median barriers. The footfall declined further after the escalators stopped working," said Selvi, who runs a shop near Baby Nagar Bus Stop FOB. Pedestrians flagged redundancy of the bridges, citing their complex design and long access paths. Claiming that traffic is usually manageable in the area, they said crossing at the signals was quicker and less tiring. With poor upkeep and diminishing utility, residents also raised concerns about safety and sanitation. "At night, people sleep along the path with cigarettes and beer bottles," said Ganesan, a resident of Velachery. Residents say it's better to demolish the FOBs so that the pavements can be reclaimed. However, these underused structures continue to receive funds and official backing. "People will start using the bridges once the escalators become functional. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Do you want us to demolish them just because they are not used?" asked Velachery MLA J M H Aassan Maulaana. The govt has plans to revive them. "We are planning to repair the escalators through the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme. The budget will be finalised soon," said Murugan, highways assistant engineer. "FOBs are a bad idea. These structures end up giving priority to cars while forcing pedestrians to climb and cross," said Sumana Narayanan of Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group.
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