CHENNAI: Four days after the inauguration of Chennai Metro Rail, commuters are finding it hard to access Koyambedu Metro station. The station is hardly accessible for commuters living in Anna Nagar area, Golden George Nagar area or Nerkundram. The skywalk which is to link Koyambedu Metro Station with Rohini Theatre on the other side of Poonamallee High Road is incomplete and is likely to take another two months.“We plan to complete it soon,” said a Chennai Metro Rail official. “The work will be carried out only during the night when the Poonamallee stretch has minimal traffic,” said the official.
But shouldn’t the work be completed much earlier? “We tried but got into issues with a nearby temple. The issue has been sorted out,” said the official. However, till the skywalk is ready, pedestrians will be at the mercy of speeding motorists while crossing the road to access Metro Rail. Even the feeder services which were planned could hardly be visible. It was initially planned to have feeder services on three routes linking the Koyambedu Metro Station with Padi Kuppam, Golden George Nagar, JJ Nagar, Gangaiamman Nagar, Dr MGR University, Thai Moogambigai College, Pallavan Nagar, MMDA Colony, Maduravoyal Market and Nerkundum. Unfortunately, this is yet to materialise because the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s new managing director is yet to assume office. “Once the new MD is in place, we will work out the modalities,” said a Metro Rail official.
The delay could have a impact on the ridership. Commuters complain that the fares are already high. “Why should I pay for the auto to avail Chennai Metro, which is equally costlier,” said Ramesh, a resident of Chinmaya Nagar.
“I would rather board a bus to Koyambedu and then take a train to Guindy,” he said. “It is only the affluent sections who can afford autos, cars or motorcycles. Those who depend on government transport have hardly any choice as the means of accessibility to the stations is bare minimum,” a commuter rued.
Proposed Feeder Routes from Koyambedu Metro Station