Southern Railway reopens British-era subway in Arakkonam for public use

The Southern Railway re-opened a British-era subway in Arakkonam town for public use on Tuesday, sparing motorists a detour of at least 10 km.

Built in 1865 by the then Madras Railway, the subway was closed for more than a month to facilitate the laying of two additional railway tracks for express trains.

The brick-and-mortar structure connects the northern and southern parts of the town, with housing colonies located on one side and a bus terminus, government taluk hospital, trading area, and schools on the other. “We have also de-silted the existing narrow stormwater drains near the subway to prevent inundation during rain. New LED lights were installed to ensure the safety of pedestrians at night,” G. Anandan, Commissioner, Arakkonam Municipality, told The Hindu.

“The subway is a lifeline for motorists, including those driving ambulances and autorickshaws carrying school students. Efforts should be made to widen the subway to allow large vehicles such as buses to use the facility,” said F. Vinod, a motorist.

The 700-metre-long drain in the subway has been connected to an irrigation tank, maintained by the Water Resources Department (WRD), near the railway station. The entire drain route between the subway and the tank is also being readied by removing bushes and debris. 

Railway officials said the total length of the subway was extended by nine metres to provide adequate space to lay a new track above the facility. Currently, the railway station has only two tracks, on which all express and suburban trains are operated. It results in delays and halting of local trains near the railway station.

Goods trains have a separate railway line. Two new railway lines would facilitate the operation of more trains, including long-distance ones, from Chennai. A plan of action for additional tracks, including the land required, safety features, and signalling works, is being readied by the Southern Railway.