Chennai: Ever since Phase 1 of the Metro Rail was completed and Mugappair’s name was mentioned among the probable stops scheduled for phase 2 of the CMRL’s project, residents here have been dreaming of Metro services in the area.
But, the dreams were dashed when the proposal for operating the Madavaram to Sholinganallur corridor via TVS Colony, Mugappair was scrapped. Residents now demand that the Metro officials introduce feeder service in the area.
Elango Nagar Makkal Nala Mantram, secretary, S Venkatesan said, “It is of great disappointment to Mugappair people that the original plan for operating the Madhavaram to Sholinganallur line vis TVS Colony was discarded. Now, we request the authorities concerned to at least extend the Lighthouse to Koyambedu route up to Padi Railway Station via Mugappair.”
He added that Padi Station could be converted as linking terminal to cater to both Metro trains as well as suburban electric trains like St Thomas Mount metro stations. Venkatesan said, “New electric trains to Arakkonam, Gumidipoondi, and Velacheri from the Padi station could be introduced and it would immensely help the bustling neighbourhoods of Anna Nagar, Mugappair, Padi and Korattur.”
Collector Nagar, Officers’ Colony, Elango Nagar, Murthy Nagar, and the surrounding areas are thickly populated in the neighborhood. Kavitha, a resident of Thiruvalleeswarar Nagar said, “In fact, the Thirumangalam Metro station which sees one of the highest passenger turnouts in Phase 1, has many commuters traveling from Mugappair contributing towards footfalls.”
Feeder services
Venkatesan requests the CMRL officials to atleast introduce feeder services for the time being. At present Metro Rail feeder services that cover the entire Anna Nagar, do not offer its services to Mugappair.
Venkatesan said, “Elango Nagar, Murthy Nagar, Padi Sivan Koil, Saravana Stores, Anna Nagar West, and Thirumangalam could be made pickup spots. These areas are not covered by Metro Rail feeder services at present. It would benefit the residents hugely and also bring in more people to use the Metro services if CMRL introduces low-cost feeder services along this route.”