Gengu Reddy Subway: A walkthrough

Gengu Reddy Subway, TM Nair Bridge and Gandhi Irwin Bridge are key corridors of access between Poonamallee High Road and Egmore. Gengu Reddy Subway is far removed from the current generation of subways, yet blends into the evolving landscape. Its northern section is more presentable, but the southern section is plagued by water seepage, slippery patches, and broken pavement. The bridge is also in need of repair.

There is no dubiety about Gengu Reddy Subway’s age. If someone is still in doubt, the balustrade should settle the matter for them. Far removed from the current generation of subways, it however blends into the evolving landscape around it.

Just as its neighbours (TM Nair Bridge and Gandhi-Irwin Bridge) do, it serves as a key corridor of access between Poonamallee High Road and Egmore, for both motorists and pedestrians.

Gengu Reddy subway as well as the afore-mentioned bridges are under Greater Chennai Corporation’s watch.

Heading to the pedestrian walkway on the southern section of Gengu Reddy Subway, the descent from Egmore is clean. The same cannot be said about the one from the other side (Poonamallee High Road).

Rainwater flowing in from a hole in the wall keeps this slope damp, literally making it a slippery slope. Even rain of moderate intensity is likely to leave its marks behind. On the southern side, the plateau or the enclosed section betrays much more of this issue. The pavement is coated with soggy mud, green from moss formation. Water is part of the mixture. Hugely slippery, the pedestrian has to hop on to an elevated surface and wend their way further down the subway.

The wall displays marks of sustained water seepage. What looks like a space for utilities, one that has a drain underneath is squalid. The flight of stairs on each side does not make a pretty picture either. One is largely taken over by a pumping machine, seemingly placed on perennial alert.

The northern section is plagued by some of these ills, but to a remarkably lesser degree.