In a few months, commuters can have access to Wi-Fi connectivity at stations and on trains of the Chennai Metro.
According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), they want to provide connectivity for commuters (currently, parts of the tunnels are dark zones in terms of digital connectivity) as it will keep them engaged during the course of their journey and may not disrupt work for office-goers. “Thousands of working professionals take the Chennai Metro; now, when they travel underground, there is no connectivity in some stretches and this problem will go if this new plan is implemented and Wi-Fi connectivity comes into place. Also, many others who want to listen to music or watch something online, can do so,” an official said.
Also, the route maps in the trains will soon change. The existing maps are simple and just indicate what the next station is.
Dynamic display
The new map will be a dynamic one showing commuters the route through which they travel and the subsequent stations. “We have floated tenders for both these projects together and it will be implemented together in the coming months. The digital maps will also have advertisements through which Chennai Metro Rail can earn revenue,” another official said.
So, the new maps will be installed in all 42 trains for the phase I project and also the additional 10 trains now ordered for the phase I extension project. At present, 35 trains are running through 45 km of phase I project and this will increase and more trains will be put into use for the phase I extension project.
Published - February 20, 2019 12:27 am IST
