Citizen Connect: Motorists depend on railway plot near Egmore station to avoid parking fee

The Vepery side of Egmore railway station has a huge space that belongs to the railways, which is being used as a bay for MTC buses plying on Poonamallee High Road. There are two huge parking lots at this side — one for commuters of suburban trains and another for Metro rail users. But the vacant spot opposite the railway station ramp has become a free parking lot. While the space was earlier a dumping yard for the eateries lined up on the pavement, the garbage is regularly cleared after DT Next reported it.

However, it has now been encroached by the motorists who park their vehicles to avoid paying parking fare of Rs 10. Auto drivers at the stand inside the station premises told DT Next that they requested the motorists not to park the vehicles at the spot as it is the way to a public toilet but in vain. “They do not understand that they run a risk of losing their bikes to thieves at night,” said an auto driver.

Sathyanarayanan, a suburban commuter, said that the entire station premises is a mess. “Apart from the encroachment of motorists and eateries on the pavement, the ramp is also congested most of the times as it is occupied by beggars and those who wait for their outstation trains. Officials should make necessary steps to provide passengers a waiting hall in order to keep the ramp free for commuters or RPF personnel should move them to other places.

Also, the lights on the ramp are always on, even during the day. I alerted a staffer about it but I was asked to report to the officials concerned. How will I know who is the right authority, he asked. There is already a lot of confusion after the ticket counters were shifted to the ground floor and the problems only keep multiplying, he added.

When contacted, railway officials said that they would look into the issues raised.