Trains of Chennai Metro will be, by and large, similar to those of Delhi Metro, but they will have a few distinct features, according to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Provision for luggage racks in the coaches and the two classes — ordinary and special — are some of the special features.
Unlike in the initial phases of similar projects in Delhi, Bangalore or Hyderabad, the first phase of the CMRL project covers all inter-modal points such as Central railway station, Egmore station, Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and the airport.
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That way, the CMRL project is more thoughtful, said a senior official.
While trains of Delhi Metro run on broad gauge and standard gauge, those of Chennai Metro will run only on standard gauge. The average speed of Chennai Metro trains will be around 35 kmph and the peak speed will be 80 kmph.
There will be a call centre working throughout operating hours to receive and address passenger complaints. The call centre’s number will be displayed prominently in the trains.
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The trains will have dynamic route maps that light up as they move. Through this arrangement, passengers can alight from the trains, especially in the underground section. There will also be closed-circuit television cameras on the rakes for surveillance by train operators.
Facilities for the disabled
There will also be provisions for persons with disabilities. An area has been assigned for two wheelchairs on both ends of each train.
The floor level of the trains will be the same as that of the platforms at stations, thus benefitting the physically challenged and senior citizens.
While alighting, physically-challenged persons can request for longer duration of train stoppage by pressing a long-stop button.
For an infograph on ‘Locating Chennai’s metro stations,’ visit >www.thehindu. com .