Chennai: The Chennai metro rail had VVIP travellers on Wednesday. DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin and Leader of Opposition and DMDK chief Vijayakanth took a ride in the prestigious train, the city’s newest mode of transport. Mr Stalin was accompanied by his supporters, including former Chennai Mayor, M. Subramaniam. He travelled from Koyambedu to Alandur, while Mr Vijayakanth, opted to travel in the opposite direction with his partymen.
“Vehicular congestion will now be reduced, travel time cut down and air quality will be better,” Stalin told reporters. He said there were no parking facilities at the railway stations, except at Alandur and Koyambedu. “Only if there is parking facility, more people will use metro rail. Otherwise, cars and two- wheelers will flood the roads again,” he said. He urged the metro rail administration to maintain all stations and coaches properly.
“Maintenance is very important. The government should not neglect the project just because it was started during the DMK regime,” he said. Mr Stalin, who got a seat only at Vadapalani travelled standing in the coach along with his party cadre. He said the facility should be expanded to Mylapore, Tiruvottiyur, Poonamallee and Tiruverkadu. After interacting with passengers during his travel, he said the fares were “very high.” He sought reduction of the fares.
Vijayakanth, while pointing out that the DMK chief M. Karunanidhi was instrumental in bringing the project to this city, questioned why Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa did not participate in the public event. He also insisted that the Union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu should have been invited for the inauguration. Vijayakanth also said the fares should be reduced.
