Chennai Metro Rail tests ‘normally open’ AFC gates at Thousand Lights to ease peak-hour rush

CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has introduced a new gate operation mode at Thousand Lights metro station to reduce crowding and speed up commuter movement during rush hours.
Starting Thursday, all Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates at the station will function in “Normally Open” mode between 8 am and 11 am, and again from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Unlike standard gates that remain closed by default, the “normally open” gates will stay open unless a validation fails. Commuters must still tap their metro card or scan their QR ticket.
A green light confirms successful validation. If a red light appears or there is no response, the passenger must revalidate or seek help at the counter. Any attempt to enter without a valid ticket will automatically trigger gate closure.
CMRL said this trial is aimed at improving gate throughput and cutting down wait times at busy stations. The initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to make metro travel faster, safer and more commuter-friendly.