CMRL yet to finish work to set up additional escalators

Nearly two years on, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is yet to complete the installation of additional escalators in some stations of the phase I network.

While escalators and elevators were fixed in all stations across the 54-km phase I network during the stage of construction, escalators are not available in either upward or downward directions at various points in some of the stations.

The stations that lack escalators in upward or downward directions — either connecting street level with concourse level or concourse level with platform, include Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar East, Government Estate, Thousand Lights, Egmore, Nehru Park and Teynampet.

Commuters that travel through these stations have demanded that CMRL erect additional escalators at these stations.

Subsequently, in early 2023, CMRL took cognisance of the issue and commenced the work to procure and put in place more escalators. Of the 55 escalators to be installed, only 22 have been completed so far. S. Balaji, a frequent commuter said when he arrives at Thousand Lights Metro Rail station around 8.30 a.m., he has to wait for a long time to use the elevator because it is very crowded. “From the concourse to the street level, I have to either climb the stairs or wait for a lift.”

“There have been occasions when I have waited nearly 10 minutes to board the elevator. Due to health issues, I cannot always take the staircase. It is high time more escalators are installed in stations like Thousand Lights which are used by hundreds of working professionals every day,” he demanded.

CMRL officials said they will complete the work by the end of February 2026.

“We can bring in materials and install them only between midnight and 4 a.m. when there is no passenger movement. With limited time availability, we are trying our best to finish the work. Before the end of this month, a couple of more escalators would have been installed,” the official assured.