Adambakkam Station Remains Closed Three Months Later

Three months after the inauguration of the MRTS extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount, trains continue to bypass Adambakkam station. The service restriction was imposed by Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety Janak Kumar Garg following an inspection that identified issues with platform alignment. Southern Railway officials stated that they are awaiting a design from the Research Designs and Standard Organisation to rectify the alignment, with completion targeted for July.

Commuters have expressed frustration over ongoing speed restrictions on the 4.5-km extension, which they claim increase travel time. Additionally, passengers at Puzhithivakkam station have reported a lack of functional escalators, despite the safety commissioner’s directive that essential amenities be completed by mid-May. Currently, only lifts are operational at the station, causing significant inconvenience for senior citizens and peak-hour travelers.

The provisional authorization for the extension project, which launched on March 14, included strict mandates for passenger facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, and proper signage. While civic works at Adambakkam are largely finished, the station remains non-operational for commuters until the platform alignment meets standardized requirements.