Residents, commuters and activists have renewed their demand for the closure of a Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlet near the Chromepet bus terminus, alleging that the stretch has become unsafe due to tipplers, encroachments and illegal traders.

The liquor outlet, located on GST Road service lane opposite Chromepet railway station and close to the bus terminus, has become a major bottleneck for pedestrians accessing buses and trains.

Safety concerns

Office-goers and students said the already narrow service lane had further shrunk due to encroachments, haphazard parking and the loading and unloading of liquor stock.

V. Santhanam, founder of People’s Awareness Association and the Chromepet Rail Users Forum, said TASMAC outlet had earlier been sealed following complaints regarding an illegal bar nearby, but was later reopened.

“Tipplers occupy the stretch leading to the foot overbridge escalator, which has remained defunct for more than a year. There have also been physical fights in the area,” he said.

Residents alleged that anti-social elements often loitered near the escalator and pedestrian pathway, making women commuters uncomfortable.

Reshma, a student of a private college in Kattankulathur, recalled an unpleasant experience while rushing to catch a bus. “A drunk man spat on me while I was walking on the road,” she said.

A nursing student from a nearby medical college said she avoided waiting alone on the service road. “I wait for my father to pick me up because the place feels unsafe,” she said.

Vijayalakshmi, an office-goer who parks her vehicle at a nearby parking facility, said women commuters were the worst affected while returning home in the evenings.

“The nuisance created by tipplers affects our business too,” said Hanifa, an attender at one of the parking stands used by office-goers.

Activists said repeated representations had been submitted to various departments, including the district administration, seeking closure of the TASMAC outlet.

Escalator issue

Residents said encroachments by eateries had worsened pedestrian movement on the narrow stretch. Dumping of food waste into open drains had also raised hygiene concerns.

Meanwhile, the Highways Department has begun work to install a new escalator on the western side of the foot overbridge. An official said rodents attracted by waste dumped near eateries often damaged escalator components.

“The authorities should take action against eateries violating rules. The TASMAC outlet should also be closed,” the official said.

Closure demand

On May 12, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the closure of 717 TASMAC outlets across the State, including shops located near places of worship, educational institutions and bus termini.

Activists pointed out that the Chromepet outlet was situated within a few hundred metres of the bus terminus and opposite the railway station. However, there was no clarity on whether the outlet had been included in the closure list.

When contacted, newly-elected Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA, Kamatchi said surveys were under way to identify TASMAC outlets that violated the government’s guidelines.

“Even if this outlet has been left out, representations seeking its closure will be taken up,” the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA said.

Residents and commuters urged authorities to remove encroachments, restore the escalators and close the TASMAC outlet in the interest of public safety.