In an attempt to enhance connectivity, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) Safety Commissioner inspected the Chennai DMS-Washermanpet route this week.
While metro has been in the news for all achievements and milestones, residents of the neighbourhood complain of lack of feeder service surrounding Alandur and Nangananallur Metro stations.
The service (shared autos and taxis) was introduced in all the stations for last-mile connectivity by roping in private players. However, people belonging to the neighbourhood rue that there has been no vehicle operating in and around the locality.
Speaking about the problem, Raghavan who resides in the area, said, “Though transportation facility is available from Alandur and Nanganallur Metros, the connectivity is poor from areas that are located just within three km radius from the station. The department has covered other residential places in other areas, out of the way, but not here.”
It should also be noted that the metros – St Thomas Mount, Nanganallur, Meenambakkam and Alandur – are just a few km away from Nanganallur, yet they have not been provided with public transportation to reach that challenges the actual purpose of metro. He further suggested the feeder services be extended till Nanganallur Bus Stand as there is a lot of public movement on any given day.
“One has to spend a minimum amount of Rs 120 to reach metro from respective locations. Small bus services S11 (Alandur Metro to Moovarasampet via Pazhavanthangal) and S85 (Velacheri to Alandur Metro via anjaneya temple) are also irregular and unreliable,” he added.
When this paper reached out to the metro officials, they stated that they have prioritised DLF and Porur and would improve the feeder services in the neighbourhood once the patronage picks up.