Commuters seek better frequency, timings of new services

For commuters who have been awaiting the opening of Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II network from Poonamallee to Vadapalani, the timings and frequency are a dampener.

Unlike the Phase I network where services begin as early as 5 a.m. and the last train departs at 11 p.m., trains in the Phase II network will be operated from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. only. The peak hour and non-peak hour frequencies planned are 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.

Commuters say the train timings and frequency in the Phase II network are inadequate and do not align with their needs. They say the frequency was initially announced to be six to seven minutes, but later revised to 10 minutes during peak hours, which “is insufficient”.

R.K. Ravichandran, of Iyyapanthangal, who frequently uses the Phase I network, says it is disappointing that the operating hours have been reduced. “Many who leave town after 10 p.m. and return early in the morning will find these timings inconvenient. It is unfair that commuters are not fully benefiting from the project, even after having waited this long,” he adds.

Azhagar Senthil, a social activist and a resident of Porur, says the Chennai Metro Rail should have completed the construction of the stretch long ago. “As such, the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch has been opened after a delay. It is upsetting that it is incomplete even now. Due to the delays from their end, it is the passengers who have to suffer,” he adds.

Commuters want the frequency to be improved. They said the frequency was initially announced to be six to seven minutes, but later revised to 10 minutes during peak hours, which “was insufficient”.

Sources say the operating hours have been reduced to facilitate the construction of six stations between Porur Junction and Vadapalani at night.