Chennai: The young and the old had no end to their amazement as they took their first journey on the underground stretch, with the tunnel erupting with the sound of cheer and laughter.
People had their eyes glued to the windows of the rail as they looked at the underground tunnel in amazement. The 45-minute joy ride from Airport to Nehru Park looked no less than a merry ride on a Sunday afternoon. Moreover, it cost Rs 60 for a ride from Airport to Nehru Park, while taking a cab or auto would cost more than Rs 250 and at least 75 minutes to reach the destination.
According to officials from the department, Nehru Park station alone witnessed a footfall of about 10,000 commuters on the first day. The facilities of the underground station, especially platform screen doors (PSD) captivating everyone.
“Installing PSDs is a welcome move as it reduces accidents and suicides. The 2.5m high doors only open and close when a train arrives and departs the station,” said Parthiban, a commuter.
But the journey came at a heavy price. The availability of only two ticket counters in Nehru Park resulted in serpentine queues and each passenger had to wait for almost 30 to 40 minutes to get his or her ticket. Commenting on this, the metro official said that two more counters would be opened soon.
Some commuters also complained that finding their way from the enormous metro station to the tracks became a difficult task, as there weren’t enough people to guide them.
“Most of the stations are marked and there were written instructions. It would have been better if they appointed some people to guide the commuters at least for the first week,” said Parthasarathy Bala.
Also, unlike the elevated stations where tokens are being issued, the underground metro stations are only giving out smart cards at Rs 100 each.
“Even if the passenger is getting down at the next station, he or she has to use a card. Ten per cent discount is also being given on the ticket,” said a metro official. He added that the token system in Chennai would soon be terminated.
A joyous first ride for Chennaiites
After the formal inauguration of the underground stretch, people went on joyrides from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park and back to Koyambedu.
The train was swarming with people from all walks of life and all age groups, who had waited patiently under the scorching sun to get the first ride.
The joy was evident on the faces of people, who were cheering as the train started and clicking selfies, with enthusiastic adults and kids enjoying the rides alike. Braving the network disconnection on the mobile phones was not an issue for people who initially said it would be good to have tower connectivity while inside the tunnel.
The four-rake train ferried people crammed inside but still enjoying the ride. As the train went from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park, it went at a good clip letting people enjoy the speed and the experience.
Tamizharasan K (63), who jumped aboard with his grandsons Vijinth and Vineeth, was as excited as the lads. “I have been aboard the Metro when it was first inaugurated but now I am visiting with these kids,” he said.
As soon as the Metro rake left the underground tunnel at Thirumangalam and emerged at Koyambedu, there was cheerful applause from the crowd which emerged to familiar sights and smells.
“It is a proud moment. We have got our first underground mode of transport,” said K. Hitesh, who decided to start his Sunday with a joyride.
