Chennai Metro’s phase I extension witnesses steady growth in ridership

In the last two months, the average ridership of the Metro has been nearly 44,800 and of this, the 9-km stretch of the phase I extension project received nearly 9,000 commuters.

Five months into being operational, Chennai Metro Rail’s phase I extension project between Washermenpet and Wimco Nagar now contributes to nearly 20% of the service’s total ridership. In the last two months, the average ridership of the Metro has been nearly 44,800 and of this, the 9-km stretch of the phase I extension project received nearly 9,000 commuters. The number of Metro passengers has been on the rise after resuming services post lockdown. Initially, there were about 47,000 commuters, and this has risen to almost 65,000 now. On Monday, there were about 69,000 passengers. Of this, the north Chennai line had about 13,000-14,000. According to the officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), in the north Chennai stretch, most passengers board from Wimco Nagar station and get off at Thirumangalam, High Court or Chennai Central stations. “This station now has about 2,200 passengers. We noticed a lot of government employees using the service and other working professionals whose offices are working,” an official said.