Several railway stations in Tamil Nadu are noted for their neglect, ranging from historic abandoned sites to poorly maintained suburban infrastructure.
Dhanushkodi Railway Station (Ghost Town Station): This is the most famous neglected station, abandoned since the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone washed away the railway line. It is located on the southeastern tip of Pamban Island and is now a popular 'ghost town' ruins tourist spot.
Anna Nagar Railway Station (Chennai): Part of the extended Chennai suburban network, this station became abandoned and overgrown with vegetation after services stopped in 2007, often cited as a haven for anti-social elements.
Royapuram Railway Station (Chennai): Despite being one of the oldest stations in India (inaugurated in 1856), it has suffered from years of neglect, with historical structures falling into disrepair and becoming covered with vegetation.
Podanur Railway Station (Coimbatore): The third oldest station in Tamil Nadu has been described as having gone off the radar of the Railway Board. The nearby Railway Colony is in a state of neglect, and residents have long sought its development as a satellite terminal.
Palakkarai Railway Station (Trichy): This station, located in the heart of Trichy city, has faced poor maintenance, with platforms covered in garbage and overgrown with thorny plants.
Chennai MRTS Stations: Several Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) stations, such as Kasturba Nagar, Indira Nagar, and Thiruvanmiyur, have been flagged for poor maintenance, including non-functional escalators and locked toilets.
Chengalpattu–Kancheepuram Sector Stations: Stations on this suburban route, including Reddypalayam, Villiambakkam, Palur, Pazhayaseevaram, Wallajahbad, and Nathapettai, have been described as neglected with vegetation covering platforms and lack of basic amenities.
Initiatives for Improvement:
In response, the Railway Ministry has announced the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), which aims to upgrade 77 railway stations in Tamil Nadu in phases, with work already proceeding on 71 of them.