For the first time since the opening of underground services, Chennai Metro Rail has now brought in mobile connectivity for a section of commuters. Despite a prolonged wait, only Jio users can now get mobile network when they travel in Chennai Metro Rail, officials said.
This connectivity, is available for Jio users, only in the 7.6 km stretch from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park. Sources said there are some disruptions for the Jio users and the technical team is trying to fix the issues.
According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), they are in talks with the other service providers too to establish connectivity.
“We are holding discussions with Airtel, Vodafone and other service providers. As soon as we fix minor issues that come up, they will also begin to provide connectivity for users in the Thirumangalam to Nehru Park stretch,” he added.
The underground stretch from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park became operational in May last year. Trains are being operated on two more underground stretches — Nehru Park to Chennai Central and Saidapet to AG-DMS — for nearly three months now. But there is no connectivity in these two stretches, yet. Officials refused to comment on when this facility will be made available in these two stretches.
By the end of this year, there will be two more stretches — AG-DMS to Government Estate and Chennai Central to Washermanpet — where train operations will begin as part of the second phase of the metro rail.