Metro to link Simpson subway to Govt. Estate station

CMRL officials expect connection to boost patronage.

As part of the project, minor renovation work on the subway will also be undertaken.

In two months’ time, commuters using the subway that connects Simpson & Co. with the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital on Anna Salai can walk into the Government Estate Metro station.

According to Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) officials, work to connect the station with the subway has begun. “The subway will be linked to the station at the concourse level (where commuters get tickets). Since we are going to link the station, we will also do some minor renovation work on the subway,” an official said.

At present, the Government Estate Metro station does not enjoy great patronage and only about 2,500 people travel through it on a daily basis, officials said. Connecting it to the subway is expected to improve footfall.

Feeder service

“We are also in the process of getting more people to use the feeder service and that should give it a boost as well,” another official said.

Chennai Central Metro station already has multiple subways connected to it at the concourse level.

“In this station too, there will be signage to give directions to passengers,” an official said.

Also, it could take two more months to complete civil work on the stretch between Thousand Lights and Government Estate. “The construction of a median is on at present and soon work on relaying roads will start. We know it has been delayed but we are trying our best to complete it soon,” an official added.