Chennai’s efforts to improve pedestrian mobility have come under renewed scrutiny after escalators at a key foot overbridge near the Anna Nagar West Bus Terminus remained unusable for several months, highlighting how inadequate maintenance can weaken the value of public infrastructure designed to encourage safer and more accessible urban travel.
The foot overbridge linking Sixth Avenue and School Road serves one of the city’s busiest public transport corridors, connecting bus commuters, nearby educational institutions and residential neighbourhoods. While the structure continues to channel thousands of pedestrians away from fast-moving traffic, the prolonged failure of both escalators has significantly reduced accessibility, particularly for senior citizens, people carrying children, individuals with luggage and those with limited mobility. According to officials familiar with the matter, the escalators suffered extensive mechanical damage following severe waterlogging during last year’s northeast monsoon. Rainwater reportedly entered critical components, rendering the equipment inoperable. The episode has once again exposed how extreme weather events can disrupt urban infrastructure when drainage systems and climate resilience measures are inadequate.
The Foot Overbridge Escalators have consequently become little more than fixed stairways, forcing users to climb steep steps throughout the day. Urban mobility specialists note that pedestrian infrastructure is effective only when universal accessibility features remain operational. Escalators, lifts and well-maintained walkways are increasingly viewed as essential public assets rather than optional conveniences, particularly in dense metropolitan areas seeking to reduce dependence on private vehicles. Residents using the bridge also point to deteriorating maintenance standards. Sections of the walkway reportedly have accumulated dust, litter and food waste, while inadequate cleaning has created unpleasant conditions for daily users. Such neglect, experts argue, discourages walking and weakens investments intended to create safer, people-first transport networks.Safety concerns extend beyond sanitation. Poor illumination across portions of the bridge after dark has reduced pedestrian confidence, especially among women and elderly users. As a result, some commuters reportedly choose to cross the busy carriageway at street level instead of using the bridge, increasing exposure to traffic risks and undermining the original objective of grade-separated pedestrian infrastructure. Infrastructure planners observe that these recurring maintenance gaps carry wider implications than commuter inconvenience. Reliable pedestrian facilities support public transport usage, reduce accident risks and contribute to healthier, lower-carbon mobility patterns. When accessibility features remain non-functional for extended periods, cities risk losing public confidence in investments aimed at promoting sustainable transport.
A senior highways official indicated that the procurement process for repairing the Foot Overbridge Escalators is progressing through the tender stage. Following finalisation of the contract, replacement components will be sourced before restoration work begins. The episode underscores a broader challenge confronting rapidly growing cities: delivering infrastructure is only the first step. Sustained maintenance, climate-resilient design and timely repairs will ultimately determine whether public investments continue to serve citizens safely, efficiently and inclusively as urban mobility demands continue to grow.
