CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail (CMR)is planning to implement feeder services on battery-operated buses or autos to its stations. The proposal aims to make it easier for commuters to reach the stations from localities in and around the Metro stations and will be key to multi-modal integration of Chennai Metro Rail with other form of transport systems.
The service is being planned for corridors covered under the phase-I of the Metro Rail, which runs a total length of 45 kilometres.
Private players have expressed an interest in offering the service through a public-private partnership model. In an effort not to add to the air pollution, Metro Rail is planning to use vehicles that use only non-fossil fuel.
“We have to find out how many people bid for the proposal. We also have to work out some technical aspects. We are looking for vehicles that do not operate on petroleum products,” said a senior official of the Metro rail.
Sources said the proposal is being mooted on the lines of similar services in Tokyo, New York and Berlin.
A similar scheme was implemented in Delhi for a few of that capital’s Metro rail stations with e-rickshaws, which was subsequently banned by the Delhi High Court. The options of e-buses are being explored now.