05-05-2025
Commuters irked as posters take over Chennai Metro Rail's pillars, barricades
As if the inconvenience caused by traffic diversions and congestion weren't enough, it is quite an eyesore to pass by Chennai Metro Rail Limited's pillars and barricades with posters plastered over them. The problem is not only with Metro Rail, posters are an eyesore across the city; they happen to look more prominent on the tall Metro Rail pillars.
Across the city, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been carrying out construction work for the ₹63,246-crore Phase II Project. While some parts of the project are elevated and pillars are being built for these, construction of underground stations and tunnelling is under way for the remaining areas. All these areas are barricaded for the safety of the public. But, be it the pillars or the barricades, they have all been defaced by posters of political parties or film stars in many areas.
While the government is talking about beautifying the city and floating the 'Singara Chennai' initiative, it can happen only if it addresses the poster menace, commuters said.
Subramanian of Poonamallee said this was a constant issue on Arcot Road and, sometimes, the entire pillar is covered in posters. 'Decades back, the city had all kinds of posters, be it of marriages, functions, and promoting political parties but now, it is mostly political parties that are at fault. This poster culture must stop immediately,' he added.
Raj Natarajan S. of Seemencheri, who frequently commutes on Rajiv Gandhi Salai, said the information technology (IT) corridor was touted as one with numerous companies and was touted as an example of growth of the city, but in several places, one could spot posters covering the barricades and pillars. 'This is not a good look for a government that is promoting the IT corridor and the 'Singara Chennai' concept. It is also an ugly sight for commuters. It is high time party heads ask their cadre not to indulge in such practices. There should also be a hefty fine for those who violate the rules,' he added.
According to officials of CMRL, they have been instructing contractors to remove the posters regularly. 'Since it is continuing to occur, we will yet again reiterate the instruction and monitor the issue,' an official said. On social media too, commuters, irked by the issue, have been tagging the agency and asking them to address the issue.
