Delay in platform work, absence of CCTVs, RPF vex commuters in Guindy

Despite being one of the most important railway stations in thecity, Guindy railway station lacks some of the facilities which are needed for commuters.

Though there are very few residential areas in Guindy, the station is filled with several passengers round the clock since it is located in an industrial hub and several firms are situated in the locality.

The station will be filled with hundredsof people waiting to board the train, especially during the peak hours in the morningand evening.

Its location is close to Raj Bhavan, Race Course, Anna University, Snake Park and memorials of Gandhi, Kamarajar and Rajaji. On the west side of the station are the Guindy Industrial Estate and SIPCOT. Sources said most of the people who need to travel to Anna Salai would get off at Guindy station and board the Metro or a bus. A footfall of more than 25,000 is recorded in the station every day.

Despite being one of the busiest stations, commuters claimed that the foot overbridge in the station is not big enough to manage the crowd during the peak hours.

They said that it takes nearly 15 minutes to cross the foot overbridge every day, especially during the peak hours. John, a regular commuter said that the construction of the first platform, which was started last year, is not complete yet. “It would be a big relief if the construction of the platform is completed soon,” he said.

Besides this, commuters claimed the station does not have CCTV cameras, clocks or proper display boards. Mahalakshmi, an IT Employee, said, “This is one of the stations with the highest footfall. Though many women use the facility after nightfall, it has no CCTV camera for security,” she said.

A few commuters said that they have noticed dogs entering the station and pull out garbage from the bins. They urged the officials to look into the issue and take necessary steps to keep the station clean.

Sources said that there was a plan to stop express trains in Guindy in the early 2000s as it would make travel easier for the Governor if he needs to travel through rail route. But the plan was dropped later. Commuters, however, said if the express trains stopped in Guindy, it would be really helpful for them.

When contacted, the station in charge said that the construction of the platform was almost complete. “We are working on the structureand there are plans to install CCTVcameras,” he said.