The Chennai Metro will study the feasibility of suburban trains having AC coaches.
What’s it about? The CMRL will conduct a feasibility study to see if AC coaches can be introduced in suburban trains on the Beach-Tambaram-Chengalpet route. Part of the study will include patronage and fares. The Railways wants to improve its suburban services in the city. Based on the report, the state government will confer with the railways to buy the coaches.
- The proposed route has the highest number of commuters. Also, the railways have previously informed the railway board about the demand for AC coaches on the route.
- Most of the passengers on this route are IT professionals, employees in manufacturing companies, and students from professional colleges. They are open to paying more for AC coaches.
Who said what: Pandia Raja from the zonal rail users consultative committee said passengers on the specified route prefer comfort and speed. He said there’s likely to be high numbers in the morning and evening peak hours. For example, around 300 disembark from each train in the morning at Paranur with buses ready. These passengers could switch to AC trains.