Metro train commuters in Chennai could switch between different modes of transport easily
Posted on: 14/Aug/2019 10:10:48 AM
As metro rail’s interchange stations would link metro, MRTS, suburban trains and MTC bus depots at 28 different locations in the Chennai city and its suburbs, the metro train commuters would be able to switch seamlessly between different modes of above mentioned transport by using just mobile app and smart card. Sounds fantastic right!!
It must be taken into account that these stations are coming up in the 118.9 km phase-2. Information is by means of the app the commuters could get details on many like routes, modes of transport, timetable and duration of travel etc. This app would help the commuters to plan their travel well ahead. There would be walkways, skywalks and subways and by these the commuters would be able to switch between metro stations, bus depots, MRTS stations with great ease.
To minimize the land acquisition, the stations are designed to run one above the other in the elevated corridors and this was mentioned by an official of CMRL. Point to be taken into account is smaller station packing all the commuter facilities would come up closer to the existing underground stations. This would be in the case of underground interchanges. Long winding subways underground or skywalks in the elevated corridor would help in linking these stations.
For the purpose of leading the commuters directly to depots and terminus, the station entry points are designed and this would be there where ever metros would link bus services. The commuters would be automatically directed to other modes of transport like MTC or MRTS or suburban trains by the design of the interchanges. Official mentioned about how in most of the stations the commuters would not step out to the main road.
By early 2020, the construction for phase-2 is likely to start and by 2024-25 the 52 km stretch is expected to be ready. Commuting to the suburbs would be easy and the metro stations in the phase-2 have been planned in that way. Between Madhavaram and Sholinganallur, there would be 11 interchange stations linking MRTS, suburban and MTC.
Important information gathered is commuters at Perambur and Chetpet suburban stations or Greenways Road and Thiruvanmiyur MRTS or MTC bus depots in Adyar, Mandaveli etc could easily get into a metro train as the stations would be built nearby.
On the road opposite to KMC near the existing underground station, a smaller station has been planned and subway would link these stations. Through a skywalk, stations like Thirumangalam would be linked to a new smaller elevated station on the 100 feet road. There would be interchanges at Nandanam and Vadapalani for the corridor between Poonamallee and Lighthouse.
It is brought out that the commuters boarding metro trains in Madhavaram could switch between 2 metro stations in Thirumangalam and go to airport or central.
