Infra a pain point at Tiruvallur station
A major concern is the foot overbridge work being carried out under Amrit Bharat Scheme. "Work started in August 2023, and platforms were dug up. It's supposed to connect all six platforms, but it's still pending. Commuters are left to struggle. Construction materials are placed on the platform, and it is hard for people to walk," said K Baskar, of the Tiruvallur railway passengers welfare association. Beyond the FOB, the station suffers from poor infrastructure and a lack of amenities.
Despite witnessing more than 180 train halts per day across six platforms, shelters are inadequate. "If it rains, passengers are exposed. There's no protection," Baskar added.
Another long-standing issue is the access road from the Manavalanagar side, used by nearly 50% of the station's commuters. Even during light rain, water stagnation makes this route impassable. "Manavalanagar is a densely populated residential area and a key traffic junction where two state highways meet.
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Yet, the second entrance to the station remains unserved," Baskar said.
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The Jansadharan Ticket Booking Seva (JTBS) counter on this side is also unreliable, operating during limited hours and charging twice the standard suburban fare. "There is no functioning counter during peak hours. Commuters are left without options," he added. While escalators have been installed for island platforms 2 and 3, the sanctioned lift is yet to be set up.
"Even CCTV installation at the station is incomplete.
Trains halt here for a long time — it's a major suburban hub. But the facilities don't reflect that," said T Sadagopan, a resident of Pattabiram.
A Southern Railway official said that projects are progressing in phases under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. "Stations like Mambalam, Chennai Beach, and Park are set to be reopened this Sept. Work at Tiruvallur and other stations may take longer," the official added.
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