In a significant move to tackle overcrowding during busy hours, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has initiated a major upgrade at several stations. The project involves installing additional automatic fare collection (AFC) gates and setting up dedicated excess fare counters at the concourse level to streamline passenger movement.
New Gates Installed at Key Stations
The drive to enhance commuter convenience has already seen action at two major stations. Two new gates each for entry and exit have been installed at both Thiyagaraya College and Saidapet metro stations. This is just the beginning, with similar installations planned soon for other stations including Anna Nagar East and Shenoy Nagar.
The decision to add infrastructure was driven by clear passenger data. For instance, the Thiyagaraya College metro station handles a daily average footfall of approximately 6,000 people. The limited number of gates previously caused bottlenecks, especially during peak travel times. The newly added excess fare offices, positioned near the gates, serve a dual purpose: they assist passengers and collect additional fare from those who have extended their journey beyond the value of their ticket.
Bi-Directional Gates for Flexible Crowd Management
A key feature of this upgrade is the introduction of bi-directional AFC gates. Unlike traditional gates fixed for either entry or exit, these new gates can be switched to handle either flow based on real-time demand. This flexibility is crucial for efficiently managing the directional surge of passengers seen during rush hours.
A metro official highlighted this advantage using the example of Thousand Lights station, which serves a large contingent of IT professionals. "At the Thousand Lights station, the morning peak sees mostly exiting passengers, while entry dominates in the evening. Bi-directional gates help us clear crowds efficiently during such periods," the official explained.
Currently, all 41 stations in the Chennai Metro network are equipped with an average of 12 AFC gates connecting the concourse to the platforms. Major interchange stations like Central and Alandur already have a higher capacity, boasting between 18 to 20 gates.
Commuters Welcome the Reduced Queuing
The early results of this initiative are already earning praise from daily travelers. S Lavanya, a regular commuter, shared her positive experience following the installation of the new gates at Thiyagaraya College in December. "Earlier, we had to line up after the security check due to the limited number of gates. Since CMRL installed additional gates, queuing has reduced and we are able to reach the platforms much faster to board trains," she said.
This proactive step by CMRL underscores a focused approach to improving urban mobility. By addressing congestion points with targeted infrastructure like additional AFC gates and flexible, bi-directional systems, the metro authority aims to provide a smoother, faster, and more reliable commuting experience for the people of Chennai.
