In another five months, the second service of Chennai Metro Rail, extending from Little Mount to Airport, is expected to get operational and the five stations on this corridor, which are at various stages of completion, give an idea of what to expect.
Interior works are in progress at all the five stations. Officials said that while tracks have been laid, the signalling and electrification work would be complete soon. The trial run for this stretch started few weeks ago and is likely to be carried out in a full-fledged manner soon. Following approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), this stretch will be ready for commuters.
The stretch between Little Mount to Airport meets the first stretch (Koyambedu to Alandur) at Alandur. Commuters from Koyambedu travelling to Airport have to change trains at Alandur. Officials are, however, considering creating a facility that would ensure a single trip to the Airport from Koyambedu.
Little Mount:
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This station wears a nearly completed look. Currently, workers are engaged in the installation of a false ceiling, glass panels and other related works. Lifts have been installed and commissioned too in this station.
Number of Lifts: 2
Number of Escalators: 3
Guindy:
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This station located adjacent to the suburban Guindy station will help commuters switch modes of travel seamlessly. Workers have been installing lifts and escalators in this station and final touches are being given to the concourse and platform levels.
Number of Lifts: 3
Number of Escalators: 4
Nanganallur:
This is fairly small station and the disadvantage for commuters here would be the non-availability of escalators. But officials said since lifts were in place, commuters might not have a problem.
Number of Lifts: 3
Number of Escalators: 0
Meenambakkam:
Like the Nanganallur Metro Rail station, this one too does not have escalators. Officials earlier noted that this station lagged in terms of construction, mainly because of issues related to traffic permission.
Number of Lifts: 4
Number of Escalators: 0
Airport:
This station can be a good example of integration of various modes of transport. Through a connecting tube, the Metro Rail station is linked to the Airport terminals. Also, Metro Rail is creating a facility at Central Metro Rail station where commuters can collect the boarding pass, take the Metro and directly get to terminals. The station resembles a shell and most works are complete.
Lifts: 6
Escalators: 3
