Commuters of Chennai Metro Rail have been complained that they have had to struggle to travel through the underground stations, and that they feel suffocated because of poor air-conditioning.
According to sources in Chennai Metro Rail project, only a few air-conditioners are switched on during lean hours and this is done to save power consumption. Since there are gaps in the platform screen doors, a lot of energy is expended by way of air conditioning..
“It is quite hot inside the tunnel and to dissipate that air, the tunnel ventilation system functions to send this hot air out to the atmosphere. But since there are gaps in the doors, hot air naturally seeps inside the station and further increases the temperature and hence passengers end up feeling suffocated,” an official said.
Passengers upset
The temperature inside the station is supposed to be maintained around 26-27 degrees Celsius. “It is extremely difficult for the staff working underneath,” a source said.
Passengers say it is unfair. Ananya Kannan, a resident of Egmore, said, “This is tax payers’ money. I pay ₹60-70 to use this system and this is what I get? One many days, it feels so humid and suffocating underground.”
Officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited, however, said, the air-conditioners were kept on at all times.