Chennai Metro Rail stations will soon sport some charming art and murals reflecting the culture of the State, and capturing the moods of the city.
Making a start with Vadapalani station, Chennai Metro Rail has been holding discussions with art colleges, NGOs and corporates to begin the project soon. “We want to do it in stations and in the viaduct (pillars of the elevated stretch running from Koyambedu to Alandur and Little Mount to Chennai airport). First we will try it in the Vadapalani station and looking at commuters’ response we will expand to other stations too,” an official said.
They have decided to keep Tamil Nadu’s culture and the city’s heritage and mood the theme of the project. “We are on the lookout for a curator and are also approaching paint companies to provide paint for the students and volunteers,” the official added.
Thuvakkam, a non-governmental organisation, has given a list of seven stations including Koyambedu, Arumbakkam and Vadapalani that they are keen on painting. S. Krishna Kuar of Thuvakkam said, they have sent a proposal to Chennai Metro Rail and are waiting to hear from them.
Environmental Foundation of India (EFI) too has evinced interest in the project and aims to use the walls for putting out ecological and cultural information. Arun Krishnamoorthy of EFI said, “We plan to showcase weavers and farmers, and other traditional practices in the city; this apart, we will also have a cultural connect with water bodies and animals,” he added.