Work to construct FOB at Velachery begins

The work to construct a foot overbridge (FOB) on Tambaram-Velachery Road in Velachery has begun. It is being constructed at a cost of ₹16.14.

The soil tests have commenced near the bus stand on the side of the road that leads to Tambaram. A long-pending demand of residents, the FOB will have elevators and escalators on both sides.

Manikandan, a resident of Velachery, said he often saw children and youngsters trying to climb over the median at that location.

“There are several schools and residential areas on either side. The work must be expedited to prevent accidents,” he said.

Another resident, S. Kumararaja, said the overbridge should be connected to the Vijaya Nagar bus terminus to avoid accidents on either side of the road. “A year ago, a girl died on the Tambaram-Velachery road near the spot where the construction is under way. The Highways Department must ensure proper lighting in the area,” he said. 

Sources in the department said even though the soil test had been done and a test pile had been completed, they were yet to get permission from the traffic police for carrying out the work.

“We have been made to run from pillar to post for the same. We have only barricaded a small portion of the road on the side,” said a source.

The department has also called for tenders to construct an FOB, with escalators and lifts, in Koyambedu. “A small piece of land needs to be acquired for the same. That is at an advanced stage. Both the works are being carried at a combined cost of ₹14 crore,” said another source.