COIMBATORE: Residents have urged the Salem division of Southern Railway to construct a foot overbridge (FOB) or pedestrian subway at the newly renovated Mettupalayam railway station to ensure easy access for commuters living on the eastern side of the railway tracks.In a petition to the divisional railway manager, the Save Bhavani association said nearly 60% of Mettupalayam’s population lived east of the railway station, including several residential communities within a 2km radius. They expressed concern that the ongoing station expansion work could result in the permanent closure of existing pedestrian pathways used by hundreds of commuters daily.Member of the association P Sukumar said, “If these pathways were closed, residents would have to travel nearly 2km to reach the station’s ticket counter and platforms. The Kattoor railway gate on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway route would become the only alternative access point, potentially worsening traffic congestion during peak hours.”He pointed out that the railway gate already witnessed heavy traffic, particularly during holidays and auspicious days, owing to the movement of devotees visiting the Bhadrakali Amman temple and Nandhavanam, where rituals for the dead are performed. Industrial establishments, including ITC, Sharada Terry Products and United Bleachers Ltd, depend on the route for passenger and goods movement.He said, “The existing railway underbridge near Santhi Nagar was another alternative, but it required commuters to cover an additional distance of around 2.5km to reach the platforms. With more train services expected to originate from Mettupalayam after the expansion, the railways should consider providing a temporary pedestrian access facility until a permanent solution is implemented.”The association also sought revival of the proposed road overbridge at Santhi Nagar or widening of the Kattoor railway crossing.
