Heavy Rainfall Alert in Chennai: Metro Issues 7-Point Instructions For Passengers, Check New Timings

Chennai: The Chennai rain alert has led to massive preparations by the Tamil Nadu government to prevent possible damage and flooding, especially in the low-lying areas of the city. A heavy to very heavy rain alert has been issued in Chennai and other areas of the state for the next three days (till October 17). Amid this, the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL) has announced extended services for commuters to meet the expected increased demand.

During the monsoon season, there is an alert for a Cyclone and hence, Chennai Metro has decided to increase the services on the days of alert i.e. October 15- 17. The Chennai Metro Rail Services will be operated with an increased frequency of services to support the public during times of heavy rain.

Chennai Metro Timings During Heavy Monsoon Rain

1. Service hours: 05:00hrs to 23:00hrs (First train departs at 05:00hrs from all terminal and last train departs at 23:00 hrs from all terminals)
2. Metro Trains will be available between 08:00hrs to 11:00hrs and 17:00hrs to 20:00hrs.
3. Green Line: (Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.Ramachandran Central Metro to St. Thomas Mount Metro) – Every 5 minutes.
4. Blue Line: (Airport to Wimco Nagar Depot) – Every 6 minutes
5. Between Washermenpet Metro & Arignar Alandur Metro – Train will run every 3 minutes
6. Metro Trains will be available every 7 minutes on both Blue Line and Green Line from 05:00hrs to 08:00hrs; 11:00hrs to 17:00hrs and 20:00hrs to 22:00hrs.
7. From 2200hrs and 2300hrs, trains will be available every 15 minutes.

The Chennai Metro said that in order to facilitate more frequency of trains in Green Line, direct train from Puratchi Thalaivar Dr.M.G.Ramachandran Central Metro to Airport Metro via Koyambedu, Vadapalani in Green Line will be suspended temporarily on the above said days (Oct 15-17) and Chennai residents travelling from Green Line to Airport shall interchange at ArignarAlandur Metro for Airport.

"All the above schedules shall be revised to normal service depending upon the weather condition," the department said.

The Chennai Metro authority has also requested the passengers to not park their vehicles at metro station parking lots (St.Thomas Mount and Arumbakkam) which are prone to water stagnation from Oct 15-17, as of now.