Escalator failures at FOBs hamper daily commute

Commuters struggle with broken escalators at foot over bridges in Chennai, affecting elderly, disabled, and students.

On a rather stifling Monday morning, commuters had places to be, and at the foot over bridge in Thirumangalam, near the Anna Nagar West depot, they were making do with the out of order escalators, using them as makeshift stairs – one climbing from Anna Nagar 6th avenue, and the other at 100 feet road.

“It has been a real hassle getting to the other side with my orthopaedic issues,” said Gracie, a commuter. With schools and private coaching centres nearby, students rushed through the foot overbridge, while some elderly pedestrians were taking a breather on the stationary escalators. “For senior citizens like me with breathing difficulties, escalators are usually a priority, but they have been out of action for far too long,” said a 64 year old Neelakandan.

Apart from elderly, persons with disabilities also pointed out that this daily incovenience often slips through the cracks. The escalators at the foot over bridge on the Grand Southern Trust (GST) road close to MEPZ, Tambaram Sanatorium bus terminus, and Siddha Hospital left the commuters in lurch as they have been in disrepair.

Over there, 72 year old Shanmugam E., stepped out of the bus terminus, lugging his bags after a trip to Kancheepuram, pausing, wondering how to get to the other side. “It might not be immediately noticeable, but I am a person with disability due to an accident, which makes it difficult for me to walk steadily. That is why these escalators are such a big relief, especially in key locations like this,”said Mr Shanmugam.

While visiting the foot over bridge that connects the Chromepet bus shelter and the railway station, commuters with heavy luggage were climbing long ramps, because the escalator connecting the bus shelter was closed, leaving the structure with blanket of dust.

S.M. Govindarajan, president of United Federation of Residents Welfare Association commented, “Along with the office bearers from our association, we protested in front of the defective escalator last week because this has been a tiring situation for the last 6 months. It is also worrisome to know that there are antisocial activities happening there at night,” said Mr Govindarajan.

When contacted, an official from the Highways department said these escalators have been over a decade-old and repairs were made from time to time, but they are currently beyond repair. “We are expecting the approval soon from the state government for the installation of new escalators at these foot over bridges,” the official added.