The Metro Rail project spurred a lot of controversy, primarily due to delays in its launch.
Though all political parties had condemned the State government for not fixing a date for its inauguration even after the completion of the line between Koyambedu to Alandur, DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin and PMK founder S. Ramadoss were especially vociferous.
Alleging that the inauguration was halted for the verdict in the disproportionate wealth case against Ms Jayalalithaa, Mr. Stalin had announced a jail-bharo, or fill-up-the-jails agitation.
He charged during a public meeting in March that the government was waiting for Ms. Jayalalithaa to be acquitted and resume the office of Chief Minister to inaugurate the service.
Dr Ramadoss told The Hindu that though the project was unnecessarily delayed, it was a matter of great relief that it would finally become operational.
“The government should speed up the rest of the project so that the city can find a solution to its ever-increasing traffic woes,” he said.
