Chennai Metro Rail Project, estimated at a cost of Rs. 14,600 Crores, has been progressing over the last few years.
Double tracks have been laid for a total distance of 45.1 km. There are 2 corridors in the project. The first corridor is between Washermanpet & Chennai airport covering a distance of 23.1 km. The second corridor is between Chennai Railway Station and St. Thomas Mount via Koyambedu covering a distance of 22 km.
Presently, test-runs are being conducted in the section between Koyambedu & Alandur in the second corridor. It is expected that the train will be opened for public by September.
Metro trains will be fully air-conditioned. 1276 passengers can travel sitting. An additional 1000 passengers can travel by standing.
Each Metro Train will have 4 coaches. 4 surveillance cameras are fitted in each coach. The automatic operating doors will open only after the train stops in the station. There is a facility to inform any problems in services through telephones fitted in the coaches.
Each coach will carry maps of the route and the details about the stations. Provision is made for the passengers to keep their luggage. Fire alarm equipment and a telephone to call the driver in case of any emergency are also fixed in each coach.
Special compartments are available for women and the differently-abled people. The engine driver can monitor the movements & happenings from his/her room.
It is planned to run 21 to 25 Metro trains per hour. The possibility run a train every 3 minutes is also being explored. With increased number of metro trains operating, it is expected that the traffic congestion in Chennai city will reduce greatly!