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Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has expanded its automatic fare collection (AFC) infrastructure at busy stations to reduce congestion and manage increasing passenger flows during peak hours. New bi-directional entry and exit gates have been installed at Thiyagaraya College and Saidapet stations, while additional gates are planned at other high-traffic stations. Excess fare counters have also been added to help commuters with longer trips. These upgrades complement earlier initiatives like Normally Open AFC gates and increased train frequencies, aiming to improve efficiency and overall commuter experience.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has recently enhanced its station infrastructure to address crowding during peak commuting hours. The initiative focuses on improving automatic fare collection (AFC) systems and easing passenger movement after security checks. Long queues during busy periods had previously caused delays and commuter frustration, prompting the rail operator to add more gates and counters at key stations. Advertisement
Two additional entry and exit gates have been installed at both Thiyagaraya College and Saidapet stations. Most of these new gates are bi-directional, allowing them to be assigned for entry or exit based on passenger flow. This flexibility helps manage sudden surges of commuters efficiently. CMRL also plans to add more gates at other busy stations, including Anna Nagar East and Shenoy Nagar. Excess fare counters have been set up near the new gates to assist passengers traveling beyond their ticketed distance, ensuring smoother operations.
Thiyagaraya College station alone handles around 6,000 passengers daily. The added gates are expected to significantly reduce queuing time, allowing commuters to access platforms faster. At Saidapet, a similar approach has been applied to streamline crowd movement, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
These measures build on earlier initiatives, such as the Normally Open AFC gates at Thousand Lights station, where gates remain open during peak hours to accelerate passenger flow while maintaining fare validation. The improvements also complement increased train frequencies on the Blue Line, aimed at accommodating higher ridership during busy periods.
Rising metro usage across Chennai has highlighted the need for continuous upgrades. In recent years, Chennai Metro has recorded substantial annual ridership growth, prompting CMRL to refine station operations and facilities. By focusing on incremental infrastructure improvements, the rail operator aims to enhance commuter experience without major disruptions.
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