Plan in pipeline to allow parcel delivery at Metro stations

Taking a cue from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which originally conceived the plan and intends to launch it this month, the CMRL has also planned to partner with e-commerce sites or courier agencies, whichever is appropriate, to widen its revenue net. Once launched, the plan will end the worries of Chennaiites who fear not being at home when the courier boys knock at their door to deliver the much-awaited parcels they book online. All that the consignee  has to do is to specify the designated station at the time of booking the product online. 

While DMRC has made great strides by even extending “payment on delivery” options to its commuters, CMRL still remains in the formative stage regarding the delivery plan considering the fact that only a fourth of its 45 km network is operational now. Only seven of the total 32 stations of Phase-I of CMRL have been opened for traffic now. However, the project delay has not deterred the CMRL from being open to the attractive money-spinner. 

Admitting that they are more than willing to execute the good revenue generation model, a senior CMRL officer, requesting anonymity, said, “DMRC has teamed up with e-commerce and courier firms. It is a good way to net additional revenue. We will also open talks with courier firms and allow them to set up shop. We will rent whatever space is available at stations without disturbing core operations.” But, locals have to wait a while for the initiative to take off as time is a commodity CMRL does not to have in abundance. Going by the CMRL’s estimation, the product delivery will take well over a year.