Citizen Connect: Residents demand fence under MIT bridge to keep anti-social elements at bay

The president of New Colony Residents Welfare Association, V Santhanam, said, “The renovation of the bridge was a long-pending demand of the residents. It came into fruition very recently. Along with it, we placed a demand to build a fence under the bridge to prevent the space from falling into the hands of anti-social elements.”

The facility was built in 2006 with an aim to reduce traffic congestion and improved connectivity to various places, including Rajendra Prasad Road, Hasthinapuram and Chitlapakkam. The space beneath the flyover is used as an open toilet. On the west, a grilled fence was in place which is reportedly missing after cyclone Vardah.

Residents complain that the place lack illumination, turning it into a space for the anti-social elements such as alcohol abuse and sale of drugs. “Scrapped motorcycles are discarded under the space and they remain among the bushes. These bushes serve as fodder for stray cattle, too,” said Subramanian, a resident. Residents wanted the place to be turned into a parking lot to restrict vehicles from being parked along the sidewalks.

“We have made several pleas with the authorities concerned. But they are yet to take any action. The police have discouraged the motorists from parking their vehicles here. But they continue to do so at their own risk. Many motorists leave their vehicles in the space owing to its proximity to Chromepet Railway station. They are not worried about theft or fuel pilferage as the place is surrounded by commercial establishments,” said Sughanya, another resident.

“We received approval to take up upliftment works only. Soon, the fence will be installed as the proposal has been sent for approval.”