Operations on the first underground stretch of the Chennai Metro Rail commenced today.
The maximum fare has increased to ₹60 for the 17-km stretch from Nehru Park to Chennai airport. Currently, Metro fares range between ₹10 and ₹50 for the general class and ₹20 and ₹100 for the special class.
This would be the third Metro stretch to become operational since the project was launched in 2012.
The existing routes — Koyambedu to Alandur and Little Mount to Chennai airport — are elevated.
Updates from Sunitha Sekar:
11.00 a.m.: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami flagged off the first underground metro train from Thirumangalam. About 40 people travelled in the first train.
10.45 a.m.: 7.75 lakh people will be travelling by Chennai Metro after phase I project is completed, said Mr. Naidu
10.44 a.m.: Mr. Naidu said the Central government will do whatever possible for the expansion of the Chennai metro rail project. Phase II project of Chennai Metro covering 108km will be given approval soon added Mr. Naidu.
10.38 a.m.: Mr. Naidu said "Chennai Metro Rail project is Ms. Jayalalithaa's dream."
10.35 a.m.: The phase II project of Chennai Metro Rail covering 108 km has been sent to Centre for approval, said the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
10.34 a.m.: While speaking at the inauguration, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said "We are missing Ms Jayalalithaa. Salute her today."
10.34 a.m.: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said "Chennai Metro Rail's entire phase I project to be completed by mid 2018."
10.33 a.m.: Mr. Palaniswami assured that Chennai Metro's line from Nehru Park to Chennai Central will be opened by the end of the year.
10.30 a.m.: Mr. Palaniswami said "Chennai Metro saw majority of its progress only during AIADMK regime."
10.25 a.m.: First and Second stretch of Chennai Metro Rail was inaugurated by late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, said Mr. Palaniswami.
10.20 a.m.: Late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa initiated the Chennai Metro Rail project, said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.
10.15 a.m.: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Tamil Nadu Edappadi K Palaniswami arrive to inaugurate the underground metro.
10.10 a.m.: Underground stretch Thirumangalam-Nehru Park joins the elevated Koyambedu-Alandur stretch by link ramp before Koyambedu station.
9.45 a.m.: Thirumangalam-Nehru Park is the third stretch of Chennai Metro Rail. First one opened in June 2015.
9.40 a.m.: This is Chennai Metro's first underground stretch from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park. The stretch connects Nehru Park with Airport, a distance of 17 km.
9.30 a.m.: Scene outside Thirumangalam underground metro station. Photo: Sunitha Sekar
Published - May 14, 2017 09:33 am IST