Southern Railway has urged the Tamil Nadu government to move 43 state-run TASMAC liquor outlets situated near railway tracks and stations. The rail authority cites significant safety risks, including passenger harassment and infrastructure damage. The state corporation is struggling to find new sites due to limited space and local community opposition, leading to a regulatory deadlock.
Southern Railway has intensified its demand for the Tamil Nadu government to relocate 43 state-run TASMAC liquor outlets that are situated dangerously close to active railway tracks and station premises. The railway authority argues that the presence of these shops creates persistent security issues that endanger both passengers and critical railway infrastructure.
Railway officials have documented several operational risks linked to these locations. These include unauthorized trespassing by patrons, which increases the likelihood of accidents on the tracks. Furthermore, the authority has reported instances of passenger harassment, particularly in the evenings. There are also concerns about the tampering of essential railway assets, such as copper signaling wires, which are vital for train operations. In major transport hubs like Ambattur, Tiruvallur, and Vellore, railway staff have noted that station subways are sometimes used as drinking dens, creating a hostile environment for daily commuters.
While the state government has previously closed over 700 outlets located near sensitive areas like educational institutions and places of worship, the current dispute remains unresolved. TASMAC officials, who manage the liquor retail business, state that finding alternative, commercially viable locations is difficult. Previous attempts to move these outlets have often been met with strong opposition from local residential communities, making it hard for the state corporation to identify compliant sites.
The core issue is the current regulatory gap regarding railway safety zones. Unlike schools and places of worship, which have specific laws prohibiting the sale of liquor within a certain distance, there is no similar mandate for a buffer zone around railway tracks. This absence of a clear policy has resulted in a standoff between the railway’s safety requirements and the state’s need to maintain its revenue-generating retail network.
For those monitoring the business environment in Tamil Nadu, this situation underscores the ongoing friction between state revenue policies and the demands of public infrastructure maintenance. TASMAC acts as a significant revenue source for the state government, and any disruption or relocation involves complex negotiations. Until a policy decision is made regarding buffer zones, the issue is expected to remain a point of contention. The key monitorable for stakeholders will be whether the state government initiates a new policy to define safety zones around rail infrastructure or if the railway authority implements stricter independent measures to secure its property.