Soon, Metro riders to have Wi- Fi access

As part of the measures to offer additional facilities, the trains will have Route Display System, Digital Advertisements and Internet connection (RDAI). This will be done for all 52 trains and stations in Phase I and at its extension sections.

Noting that the first phase was now fully operational after the stretch between AGS-DMS and Washermanpet was opened, a top CMRL official added, “It is a good time to introduce additional facilities to improve the services provided to the commuters.”

In addition, the trains will be fitted with the LED displays to provide route-related information and digital advertisements along the routes of Phase I and extension sections. 

“This is not an entertainment system. It will provide route related information to passenger on the one screen and advertisements on the other screen,” the official added.

At present, the trains are equipped with only the audio system to inform the passengers about the upcoming stations, and a route map.

The official said they were in the process of outsourcing the services, including the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning, maintenance, operation and transfer of LED displays and LED matric displays to an external firm.

The phase I extension sections include Airport to Wimco Nagar, Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount and inter-corridor movements between corridors 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, after the entire first phase became operational, the patronage has increased substantially, the official added. “Now we are serving close to 90,000 commuters every single day,” he said. Prior to the opening of the AGS-DMS to Washermanpet link, it used to be 50,000 commuters a day.