Chennai Metro patronage sees slow, steady growth after services resume

On November 23, as many as 38,000 passengers used the Metro, one of the highest numbers recorded since operations resumed in September following lockdown relaxations.

Two months ago, when services restarted, the trains wore a nearly deserted look initially and by the end of September, there were about 15,000 passengers a day, a mere 8% of the crowd they carried during pre-COVID-19 times.

37% increase in footfall

By the end of October, more commuters, especially those travelling to Anna Salai, took the trains and the footfalls grew to 22,500 a day. Now, there has been a 37% increase compared to October, and the average number of commuters travelling per day has touched about 28,600.

According to the officials of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL), in the last few weeks, owing to intermittent rain, more commuters began travelling by Metro Rail again. “Initially, many of our regular commuters went to their workplaces on two-wheelers to avoid travelling by public transport. But now, gradually, after seeing how the trains are cleaned and physical distancing is maintained, many have resumed travelling as usual. As it began raining, more felt encouraged to give up travelling by bikes and took the trains,” an official said.

During weekdays, the Metro usually got 33,000-35,000 commuters while during weekends and holidays, the number dropped to 20,000-25,000, officials said.