To provide seamless network connectivity for all its commuters, Chennai Metro Rail will now install WiFi facilities at all its stations. At present, CMRL has black spots in its underground stations where mobile networks do not reach. The first underground line between Nehru Park to Koyambedu opened nearly two years ago.
According to a report in The Times of India, Metro Rail has floated tenders to bring WiFi connectivity across 45 km network of Phase I and on its fleet of 42 trains. When operations begin in North Chennai, this service will also be extended to the 10 km extension from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar and 10 new trains.
At present, mobile network services from Jio and Airtel are available between stations Thirumangalam and Egmore.
According to a report in The Hindu, CMRL will also install new dynamic maps that will show commuters the route through which they travel and the subsequent stations. The existing maps are simple, just indicating what the next station is.
Construction on the 54 km Phase I of CMRL began in 2009 and Koyambedu-Alandur section of the Blue line opened in June 2015. Phase one covers areas from Washermanpet in north Chennai to the airport in south Chennai. Work is in progress to extend phase I from Washermanpet to Thiruvottriyur, nine kilometres further north.
The last stretch of Chennai metro’s first phase opened to public on February 10.
Among the list of projects announced as part of Tamil Nadu budget, the Chennai Metro Rail expansion is all set cover a length of 172.91 kms including the extensions which are to be commissioned.
Rs 2,681 crore will fund CMRL through shares and debt. Apart from this, a go-ahead for preparation of Detailed Project Reports for CMRL phase II and integrating Chennai/s MRTS and Metro has been given.