At half past 12, amid the loud cheers of the crowd on the platform, Chennai Metro Rail took off in all its glory from Alandur station to Koyambedu.
The first bluish-silver coloured rakes of the Chennai Metro Rail whizzed across the skyline over 100 Feet Road after it was inaugurated at Alandur station by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday.
Commuters began to flood the station as early as 10.30 a.m. and as soon as the station gates were thrown open, swarmed in. On one side, ticket counters had serpentine queues, the other had staff guiding people on how to use the recharge counters, scan their baggage and directions to platforms.
At every given opportunity, people took selfies in the stations and on trains.
From market vendors to students, people from all walks of life walked in at various Metro rail stations to catch a glimpse of the new service.
M. Sujitha, an 18-year-old medical student, said her travel time would be reduced by half owing to the Metro Rail. “Usually, I will take a bus from Koyambedu to my college in Ashok Nagar and the journey takes not less than 40 minutes. Now, it takes just 15-20 minutes,” she said.
R. Shanti, a vendor at Koyambedu market, said the ride from her residence in Alandur to the market will be comfortable and peaceful. “I’m glad I won’t be jostled in the bus with my baggage,” she added.
Though it was a weekday, working people found ways and time to take a ride by the Chennai Metro for the sheer experience.
If Chennai Metro wants to retain this patronage, it ought to maintain the stations and not become another MRTS, some of the biggest fans of the Metro cautioned.
