Metro plans to install ATMs at tunnel stations

Soon, Metro commuters wouldn’t have to get out of the underground stations in Chennai to withdraw cash from ATM. Chennai Metro is planning to install at least one ATM or Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) on 19 underground stations on its two corridors – Central to St Thomas Mount and Washermenpet to Airport. The move is likely to benefit commuters besides providing revenue for the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).

CMRL has invited bids from banks and non-bank entities to install ATM at its 19 underground stations across the city.

Of the 19 UG stations, there is space for two ATMs in 13 stations while Tirumangalam, Nehru Park, Egmore, Central, LIC and High Court stations will have only one ATM or CRM.

In all the stations, except Central and Egmore, the ATM would be installed at the street level in order to remain accessible to both the commuters and general the public. In the Central and Egmore stations, the ATM will be in the concourse level, which is also open for non-commuters.

Regular Metro users will benefit from having the option of withdrawing cash within the stations itself. “There are no ATM machines near my station and those within walking distance are not safe in the evenings. Having an ATM machine within the station will give extra security besides the ease of being able to withdraw money at the point of travel,” said Ajaykumar, who uses the metro between Ashok Nagar and Nehru Park every day.