Salem: Residents living in Maravaneri and surrounding areas were forced to take a detour of more than 7km to reach either the collectorate or other parts of the city after the construction of a rail over bridge following the closure of the Mulluwadi railway gate.They submitted petitions to local representatives, including MP TM Selvaganapathy, seeking either a service road or an underpass at the railway gate. The Mulluwadi railway gate connected Maravaneri, Makan Street and nearby areas with the collectorate, Shevapet Bazaar, Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital, the new bus stand and other govt offices in the city. Though the rail over bridge reduced traffic congestion, residents living near the gate have to take a detour of over 7km to reach the core areas of the city. “The lack of direct access becomes a serious problem during emergencies,” said K Palani, a shopkeeper in the area. Locals said a service road was proposed alongside the railway line, and steps were taken for the same years ago. They claimed land was identified and approvals were secured, but the project was delayed due to objections from a few individuals and official apathy. Residents pointed out that another flyover project between the collectorate and the Ambedkar statue was progressing, while the service road near Mulluwadi remained pending. They argued that flyovers on both sides without a service road would further isolate nearby neighbourhoods. Salem railway division officials recently visited the site and reportedly assured residents that steps would be taken to begin work on the service road after necessary inspections.
