Metro rail users struggle as in-train route maps don’t mention new stns

Metro rail users struggle as in-train route maps don’t mention new stns

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:23.02.2021 

It has been a week since metro rail commenced services in north Chennai, but electronic route maps in the coaches are yet to be updated to include the new stations on the 9km metro line from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar. This has left commuters in the trains peering through glass panes to see which stop’s next.

Though recorded announcement about the approaching station is played, commuters say it is not audible enough, especially during crowded peak hours.

While the 42 trains run on the 45km phase-1 have both static and dynamic route maps installed above the train doors, they are not updated to include the new stations on the north Chennai route. Static maps are plain maps with only the route and the stations, while dynamic maps are electronic displays where a red light blinks next to the approaching station’s name.

The 10 new trains procured for the north Chennai line have static maps with the new stations, but commuters say it is not helpful as it does not indicate which station the train is approaching. “We are forced to look through the glass to see where the train is every time it nears a station,” said S Kumaran, of Tiruvottiyur.

CMRL has a fleet of 52 trains and operates 42 four-car trains during peak hours and 35 during non-peak hours. The new line in North Chennai has been recording an average 9,000 passengers daily with the maximum on February 21 with 16,058 passengers. This has boosted the total ridership to a daily average of 73,634 passengers.

A CMRL official said they have floated tenders to both upgrade the static and dynamic route maps as well as install LED display screens in all the 52 trains soon. The LED screens will have information on approaching stations, availability of last mile connectivity and the landmarks around a station. “Once we confirm the contract, all trains will be upgraded in six months,” an official said.

NOT CLEAR: The stations on the new 9km line from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar are yet to be included in the route maps inside trains, making it hard for commuters to know about approaching stations