Commuters demand expeditious construction of flyover across the railway line at Mappadugai

The frequent closure of the Mappadugai railway gate in Mayiladuthurai has been causing hardship to the public, say commuters

The frequent closure of the Mappadugai railway gate in Mayiladuthurai has been causing hardship to the public, say commuters.

Expressing concern over the problem, B. Sathya, a commuter, said: “Every day, I have to wait for 10 to 15 minutes. This repeated delay affects my schedule and I lose valuable time.”

The railway gate serves as a crossing point for vehicles travelling towards Kumbakonam, Thiruppanandal, Anaikkarai, Thiruvaiyaru, and Thirukattupalli in the south, as well as Poombuhar, Chidambaram, Manalmedu, and the Navagraha temple towns in the north. The road through Mapadugai and Solampettai, which connects to the Poombuhar-Kallanai highway, is extensively used by two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

Social activist A. Apparsundaram highlighted the disruption caused by frequent gate closures. “Commuters are often delayed as the railway gate is closed whenever passenger and goods trains pass through. The situation worsens when the gate is shut even for turning railway engines, leading to frustration and long waits,” he said.

The repeated closures result in severe traffic congestion, particularly affecting those heading to hospitals, bus stations, and schools. Heavy vehicles carrying vegetables, groceries, fish, construction materials, and other essential goods face difficulties due to the blockade.

Despite repeated appeals, action has not been taken by the railway authorities, Mr. Apparsundaram added. On February 27, 2024, the foundation stone was unveiled for a new flyover to replace the railway gate. However, construction has not yet commenced.

Official sources from the district administration said that the construction of the flyover is set to begin soon and the land acquisition process is under way.