It is now many years since the Mass Rapid Transport System came into existence in Madras that is Chennai and it is now used by many commuters on the stretches where it is operational. In contrast, the stations for the MRTS are yet to be completed. The incomplete structures present a picture of overall shabbiness and lack of proper maintenance. This is despite several complaints from regular users. The problem, as usual, lies in the multiplicity of agencies and complete lack of coordination between them.

When the MRTS stations were built, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) had retained with itself the right to develop the ‘air space’, that is the space above the station structures that were the responsibility of the Railways. In 2007, the CMDA announced that it was preparing plans with the help of consultants to develop at least one lakh square feet of space above each of the three stations at Tara­mani, Perungudi and Vela­chery. These were to house IT offices and shopping malls. It was reported that the CMDA was basing its plans on cities such as Hong Kong and Tokyo, where similar services are provided above railway stations. Since then, nothing has come of these plans and the stations, built as large structures, no doubt with a view to accommodating these ambitions, are mere shells lacking even basic amenities.

This picture of an MRTS station reflects its squalor.

Almost all the stations in the older parts of the city, such as Tiruvallikeni and Chinda­dripet, suffer from lack of access, as they are tucked away inside streets which are close to slums. In the evenings, they present a dark and dingy appearance and hardly anybody appears to be brave enough to venture into them. There are no security guards anywhere in the vicinity. At night, locals from the slums and footpaths enter the station premises and sleep in the forecourts, steps and the platforms. During the rainy season, several of the platforms leak, adding to commuters’ woes. And as for toilets, these are so badly maintained that they are unusable. A full decade after the service became operational over a long stretch, talks are still on between the Railways and Metrowater to ensure uninterrupted supply of water to the toilets. Drinking water facilities are also very poor in the stations.

The Railways had not long ago introduced escalators and lifts in the stations for use by the physically challenged and the aged. Most of the stations being at elevations, these users would otherwise never be able to make it to the trains. Now, many of these facilities are not working and the authorities are blaming the locals who make the stations their own at night for tampering with the equipment. That there are no security personnel to prevent such incursions is another matter. In stations where the equipment are still working, these are switched on only during peak hours. Commuters who use the MRTS during off-peak hours have to compulsorily take the stairs, no matter how difficult it is for them. It is now learnt that the Central Bureau of Investigation is looking into the purchase process for these escalators, as they have not worked as per expectation, as reported.

The overall appearance of the stations also leaves much to be desired. These are giant monstrosities in concrete with no ornamentation of any sort to relieve the monotony. The glass windows that are provided are most often broken and add to the dismal picture. And with none of the proposed shops or offices coming up, they look vast and dreary with no signs of life. For better or for worse, the MRTS stations dominate the city’s skyline and it is best that the Railways gives some serious thought to improving their ­appearance.

A recent story in a leading daily that reported on the abysmal situation in the stations, however, saw the authorities at their best with evasive answers, claiming that all was well. With ground reality being totally ­different, it is high time some action was taken to improve the stations, in terms of both ­cosmetics and user-friendliness.