CHENNAI: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Union minister of state Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated two underground metro rail stretches, Nehru Park to Central and Saidapet to AG-DMS, at Chennai Egmore metro rail station on Friday.
Totally six stations along the stretches including Egmore, Chennai Central, Saidapet, Nandanam, Teynampet and AG-DMS have begun operations, enabling commuters to directly travel from Chennai Central to airport.
The maximum fare is now spiked from Rs 60 to Rs 70 (Central to airport) and minimum stands at Rs 10. The much-awaited 25-kilometer ride from Central to airport would take around 60 minutes, while AG-DMS to airport would be covered in 40 minutes.
The Chief Minister, while explaining the expansion plans after inauguration of the stretches, said, “Under the metro rail phase two, there is a proposal to connect Light House, Vadapalani and Porur and this stretch is planned to be extended till Poonamallee. Similarly, the metro rail, which culminates at Chennai airport is also under consideration for expansion, under which the stretch will be taken up to Kilambakkam connecting Vandalur (where the new mofussil bus terminus has been proposed). Once it is completed, the entire city will enjoy hassle free connectivity. Rs 80,000 crore would be invested for phase two.”
He further added that a total of 1.64 crore people have travelled in the Chennai metro so far and the number is expected to rise significantly in the coming days.
“The entire construction of the phase 1 project stretching across 45 km would be completed by the end of this year. While construction along 35 km is already completed — Airport to Nehru Park (22 km), Little Mount to AG-DMS (13 km) — work on the AG-DMS to Washermenpet stretch (10 km) is being carried at a fast pace.” Further, Rs 3,770 crore has been invested on the 9.5 km extension of the blue line from Washermenpet to Thiruvottriyur. It is expected to be completed by 2020.
The Chief Minister also emphasised that most space of the Chennai metro has been given to the underground stretch and safety doors have been provided at all underground stations. Also, the physically disabled would have a provision to call for help to deboard, while they are travelling in the metro.
Meanwhile, the consul general of Japan said the Japan government had funded 210 billion for the project. “This is a perfect example of Indo-Japan partnership. Metro rail in Chennai would improve public transport dramatically, set means of travel, reduce pollution and traffic congestion. All in all, it would contribute towards sustainable livelihood of Chennaiites.”
