Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) is planning to introduce additional electric vehicles to several stations to improve last-mile connectivity for commuters. Following a positive response to the recent launch of electric autorickshaws and minibus services at select stations, CMRL aims to extend these services to more locations. The plan, which has been under consideration for some time, is now gaining momentum.
Officials from CMRL revealed that the increased number of passengers using electric autorickshaws and minibusses in recent weeks has encouraged them to focus on expanding last-mile connectivity options. The goal is to operate the last-mile services directly, with a combination of electric and shared auto rickshaws. CMRL’s team is currently working on the project’s implementation, which requires necessary approvals and registrations from the government for low-capacity electric vehicles.
Stations like Little Mount, Alandur, Thirumangalam, Chennai Airport, Tiruvottiyur, Government Estate, Koyambedu, and Shenoy Nagar are targeted for enhancing their Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) operated minibusses and autorickshaws, especially Thirumangalam and Chennai Airport, which witness high demand during peak hours.