Metro ridership stagnant, 28 6-car trains planned

Chennai: Metro rail's ridership has remained stagnant, struggling to meet projected growth targets due to a shortage of additional coaches. Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is awaiting approvals to procure 28 new train sets, each with six coaches.
CMRL now operates around 50 train sets, each with four cars. During peak hours, trains run packed, leaving many commuters standing throughout the journey. Daily ridership has between 2.6 lakh and 3 lakh for the past year far below the ideal figure of around 12 lakh a day.

CMRL's ridership, which declined after MRTS services between Chintadripet and Beach resumed in Nov 2024, is expected to dip further with Southern Railway planning to add 20 more MRTS services.
Many prefer metro rail to MRTS or suburban trains for its comfort, but the experience is deteriorating. "During morning peak hours, passengers are packed even near the doors, making it hard to board or alight. Even metro staff find it hard to manage the rush," said Padma Narayanan, a regular commuter from Nanganallur.
There is a risk of commuters' bags or clothing getting caught between automatic doors and CMRL plans to retrofit anti-drag features across all train sets. "We are also in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for funding to procure more train sets,' said T Archunan, director (projects). A tender will soon be floated to acquire 28 new six-coach trains, each capable of carrying more than 1,900 passengers at crush load conditions.
Commuters also raise concerns about poor first and last-mile connectivity and limited parking. "Most phase I stations have inadequate parking. Every morning at Little Mount, parking is full, forcing us to search for space at Saidapet," said D Ramakrishnan, a resident-activist from Adambakkam.