The subway has stagnant water from leaks through ceilings and walls and that also leads to mosquito menace.
CHENNAI: Pandian Street subway is a favourite place for tipplers prompting commuters to avoid using the facility. The pedestrian and vehicular subway that provides access to Meenambakkam railway station for those coming from Nanganallur, Tirusulam, Pallavaram and Moovarasmpet is poorly maintained and inaccessible. The subway is mainly used by metro rail commuters and bus passengers travelling towards Chennai International Airport and St. Thomas Mount on the Grand Southern Trunk Road.
“The subway has stagnant water from leaks through ceilings and walls and that also leads to mosquito menace. Street vendors add to the unhygienic condition of the subway as they leave food and vegetable waste scattered around. People also spit all over the walls and make it uncomfortable for commuters to walk through,” said S. Sudharsan, resident of Meenambakkam.
Pedestrians allege that it is unbearable and uncomfortable to use the subway due to unbearable foul odour and garbage dumped by the side of the subway. “Even during the day, one cannot feel safe walking through the subway. Not only one can find liquor bottles strewn all over the place, but also it is no surprise to find people using drainage openings as open urinals. As there are no CCTVs and subway is poorly lit, miscreants find it the most comfortable spot to drink,” said V. Deepa, a resident of Moovarasmpet.
Though residents accuse the concerned authorities of neglecting the cleanliness of the subway, State Highways officials say that the subway is periodically cleaned and broken lamps were replaced after regular complaints.
