Not able to reach offices on time in Chennai is a huge concern for many now!!
Posted on: 04/Oct/2023 9:32:35 AM
Whether it is peak hour or not doesn`t matter at all as these days large crowds of commuters move in and out of the metro station at Chintadripet in Chennai.
Since the month of August, the Velachery-beach services on the elevated structure have been terminating at Chintadripet and this has been responsible for overcrowding at this particular metro station. The commuters are unhappy regarding the lack of amenities and the inconvenience due to that.
It is well known to us that a fourth line is being laid between Beach and Egmore stations. Point is that the MRTS services from Velachery to Beach have been inoperative between Chintadripet and Beach. From Chintadripet, the MRTS services are being operated. For 7 months, this arrangement would be there.
Train frequency reduced:
With the reduction in the frequency of the trains now that is one train for every 25 minutes, many passengers are facing hardships.
It was brought out by a college student that in the peak hours it was very difficult to find a seat in the ladies compartment due to overcrowding. She was unhappy regarding the reduction of the train services in the peak hours
As per an advocate it was clear that the 7 month period for completing the fourth railway line work was too long. He added that there is now overcrowding as the trains are operated for every 25 minutes. It must be noted that previously it took 40 minutes to reach Beach but now it takes 40 minute to reach Chintadripet.
At the Chintadripet station, the other side is closed and the passengers are allowed to go on one side of the staircases. There is a lot of struggle among the passengers to get down the stairs and board MTC buses. Moreover, only one lift is working now in the Chintadripet railway station. Absence of signboards to help the passengers has been an issue here.
Huge issue for many Secretariat workers:
According to the president of TN Secretarial Staff association Mr. G. Venkatesan it is confirmed that atleast 1000 staff using the MRTS services now are unable to reach their offices on time. He spoke about how previously the staff would get down at the Fort station to reach Secretariat on time. Point is that now from Chintadripet 3 buses operate and it takes a long time to reach the Secretariat. In this scenario, many staff get down at Chepauk or Triplicane and walk to Beach Road and take an auto to reach the Secretariat.
Another issue now is the lack of security at the stations in Chennai. At the Chintadripet station, RPF are available but at the other stations there is no security. It is true that the lack of security at the railway stations s is a huge cause for concern.
