Sankarapuram residents have urged the Southern Railway to drop its proposal to construct a rail under bridge and instead build a rail overbridge, as part of its initiative to remove manned level crossing gates at several locations.The Southern Railway had proposed constructing a subway near Walajabad railway station to replace the Sankarapuram level-crossing gate.The proposed subway is intended to provide faster and smoother access for residents of Sankarapuram and nearby villages in Pazhayaseeamvaram. However, Sankarapuram residents pointed out that the proposed subway could be inundated due to its proximity to Aarukondaan Lake.Social activist R. Arumugam said that the lake is one of the most important waterbodies in Kancheepuram district, as surplus rainwater from more than 10 villages flows into it. Moreover, the railway track alignment runs adjacent to the lake.E. Boopathy, a resident of Sankarapuram, said that if a subway is constructed, surplus rainwater could flood the underpass and completely block access.Residents also pointed out that the Railway Board had sanctioned the doubling of the railway line between Arakkonam and Chengalpattu, and said this would create further problems if the subway is built.A senior Southern Railway official said that the residents’ concerns are being considered, and a decision will be taken soon. Published - May 28, 2026 05:20 am IST