Commuters seek better frequency, timings of new services
Commuters in Chennai are expressing frustration over the limited operating hours and frequency of the new Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro stretch. Officials state that the reduced service is necessary to facilitate ongoing construction work on the line.
Why it matters
Infrastructure delays and service limitations directly impact urban mobility and public satisfaction with major transit projects.
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”.
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