DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin on Monday expressed happiness over the launch of metro rail services
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa flags off the Chennai metro rail service from the secretariat on Monday. (Photo: DC)
Chennai: DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin on Monday expressed happiness over the launch of metro rail services in the city. “The inauguration of the Chennai metro today fills me with great joy. This project was initiated by the DMK government to provide the city with a world-class mass rapid transport system. The sanction of Rs 14,600 crore for the metro project was approved by the DMK Cabinet on November 7, 2007,.” he said.
In a statement, he said that as the then local administration minister, he visited Japan for getting a loan for the project. The construction work, which began in 2009 was unfortunately delayed, the statement said. “At last, the long wait is over for the residents of Chennai,” he said, adding, the benefits of such a Mass Rapid Transport System included decreased commuting time and reduced vehicular congestion, among others.
Pointing out that as the city expanded, efficient and extensive rapid mass transport systems were essential, he said the metro services should be expanded to all regions of Chennai and other cities in the state, and integrated with other forms of public transport like buses, suburban trains and MRTS.
PMK, Congress seek fare reduction:
PMK founder S. Ramadoss has urged the Central and state governments to reduce metro rail fares. The fare fixed by Chennai metro rail was 250 per cent higher than Delhi metro. “In Delhi metro, the minimum fare is Rs 8 whereas in Chennai, it is Rs 10. Chennai Metro charged Rs 40 for the 10 km travel between Alandur and Koyambedu whereas Delhi metro collects only Rs 16 for the same distance. The higher charges will keep the poor away from using metro rail services,” he said.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president E.V.K.S. Elangovan said he was shocked over the high fare fixed by the Chennai Metro Rail. If the fares were not reduced, the project would not serve any purpose.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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