When work on the Chennai Metro Rail began five years ago, several businessmen in Anna Nagar and other areas along the route were extremely unhappy as the roads were blocked and traffic diverted, affecting their business.
Now, with the opening of roads and the new underground stretch, shopkeepers are hopeful of regaining their business.
Mohammed Sulaiman, who has been running a stationery shop in Anna Nagar for over three decades, said he lost nearly 50% of his business in the last five years. But things had improved after the roads were opened for two-way traffic, he said.
“When the work began, from nearly ₹1 lakh, my business dropped to ₹30,000-40,000. Now, it has picked up. I’m hoping things improve as one of the station entrances is located close to my shop,” he added.
More customers
Nagoor Gani, who also runs a shop in Anna Nagar, said he had been looking forward to the opening of the new stretch as there would be more customers.
“Only a portion of my initial customers have returned to my shop. As time goes by, I’m positive the remaining ones will come back too,” he said.
However, he felt that more commuters and customers would come only if Metro Rail is affordable. “If they are going to fix high fares, then we cannot expect a drastic change in our business as there may not be many takers,” Mr. Gani noted.
