Last Mile Connectivity Boost For Chennai Metro: AC Vans Start Operations From Alandur To Porur

In a new experiment, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has from 1 October introduced a AC van service that will take commuters landing at Alandur metro station to nearby Porur, where many Information Technology companies are based.

Times of India quoted CMRL officials as saying that air-conditioned vans will operate every 15 minutes from 6.30 am to 9.30 am to take the commuters to the DLF complex.

Passengers will have to pay Rs 20 per single for a trip but can board anywhere between Alandur and DLF complex. The service has been introduced on request from those working in and around DLF complex. Companies like HCL, IBM, L&T, Tatas and many other information technology firms operate in the vicinity.

The introduction of the van service will help in last mile connectivity, a disadvantage that CMRL suffers from. Someone coming from north or central Madras regions like Purasawalkam, Kilpauk and Shenoy Nagar and working in one of the companies in Porur can now to take the metro train to Alandur and then ride the van to Porur.

CMRL has also introduced a bicycle service where a commuter can pay Rs 3,000 as deposit and rent a cycle free of charge to wheel to their destination. Currently, CMRL operates a Green line between Airport and Chennai Central via Anna Nagar and between St Thomas Mount and Chennai Central via Anna Nagar.

It operates a Blue Line from Airport to the Directorate of Medical Services in Teynampet. This will be extended in phases till Thiruvotriyur over the next couple of years.