Date:01/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/01/stories/2008050158810300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Residents seek modern ticketing system

Staff Reporter

“Integrate Metro Rail stations with other transport modes ”

— Photo: K.Pichumani

A participant raising a query at the public hearing on the Chennai Metro Rail project in Aminjikarai on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: The need for a modern ticketing system and integration of the Metro Rail stations with the other modes of public transport for better connectivity was emphasised by participants at the public hearing here on Wednesday for the proposed Chennai Metro Rail project.

The forenoon session at Aminjikarai had participants from areas including Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar, Shenoy Nagar and places near Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital.

Residents wanted user-friendly approach roads to the proposed stations and proper interchange station facility to be provided in the project. A Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) official said an efficient system, evolved after taking note of the deficiencies of the other transport systems, would be implemented with proper interchange stations.

Rajamohan, a resident of Mogappair, regretted that Mogappair, one of the fast developing areas, did not figure in the project. He suggested that the route be slightly diverted to include Ambattur Industrial Estate and Mogappair. The official assured that the areas would be covered in the second phase of the project.

On queries about the ticketing system, the official said an integrated ticketing solution — ‘smart card’ — would be introduced to facilitate travel across different modes of public transport. Bus terminals would be established to connect the metro rail stations.

Residents also raised concerns over use of ground water for the project as it might affect the water table in the city. In response, an official said that the ground water would be used judiciously after consulting the State Pollution Control Board and Chennai Metrowater.

About the noise pollution, particularly during the construction of the underground stations, the official said a modern technology of tunnel boring machines would be deployed to minimise the noise levels to near zero.

Several residents also raised their concern over the stability of the buildings, acquisition of their property and security issues at the meeting. A CMRL official said that the construction of the underground stations would not affect the buildings and proper security measures would be adopted in the stations.

Some of the other queries include the location of the stations and notice period for acquiring private property. The officials said the project envisaged minimal acquisition of private lands and properties. Specific details about exact locations of the stations, private property acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation measures would be discussed in the next series of meetings scheduled in June.

A similar public hearing was held in the afternoon for the residents of Velachery, Saidapet and Guindy in which participants sought clarification about various aspects of the project and the compensation to those affected by it.