Jump to content

Blue Line (Chennai Metro)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Line 1 (Chennai Metro))

Blue Line
A train on the Blue Line
Overview
StatusIn operation
Termini
Stations26
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemChennai Metro
Operator(s)Chennai Metro Rail Limited
Depot(s)Wimco Nagar
Rolling stockAlstom
History
Opened21 September 2016; 8 years ago (2016-09-21)
Technical
Line length32.65 km (20.29 mi)
Number of tracks2
Character17 km (11 mi) Underground
15.65 km (9.72 mi) Elevated
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
Operating speed80 km/h (50 mph)
Route map

Legend
Chennai Suburban Railway
West South Line
Wimco Nagar Depot
 Wimco Nagar Depot
Wimco Nagar
Tiruvottriyur
Thiruvottriyur Theradi
Kaladipet
Toll Gate
New Washermanpet
Tondiarpet
Sir Theagaraya College
Washermanpet
Mannadi
High Court
Chennai Suburban Railway
South Line & South West Line
 M.G.R Central
Green Line
Green Line
Cooum River
 Government Estate
LIC
Thousand Lights Purple Line
AG – DMS
Teynampet
Nandanam Orange Line
Saidapet
Adyar River
 Little Mount
Guindy
Chennai Suburban Railway
South Line & South West Line
Kathipara Junction
Arignar Anna Alandur
Green LineRed Line
Green Line
Nanganallur Road
Meenambakkam
Chennai International Airport Chennai International Airport
Pallavaram
Kothandam Nagar
Chromepet Bus interchange
Mahalakshmi Colony
Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar
Tambaram Bus interchange
Irumbuliyur
Peerkankaranai
Perungalathur
Vandalur
Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Kilambakkam Bus interchange
Chennai Suburban Railway
South Line

The Blue Line is one of the two operational lines of Chennai Metro apart from the Green line. The line stretches from Chennai Airport to Wimco Nagar Depot, covering a distance of 32.65 km (20.29 mi). The line consists of 26 stations out of which 13 stations are underground and the rest are elevated or on ground level. In May 2018, operations on the blue line commenced between Saidapet and AG-DMS with the extended underground stretch from AG-DMS to Washermanpet of blue line commencing operations on 10 February 2019 completing the phase 1 of the metro.

Map

An airport-bound metro at Alandur station

Planning and construction

[edit]

Phase I

[edit]

In 2006, a modern metro rail system was planned for Chennai modeled after the Delhi Metro.[1][2] Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was tasked with preparing a detailed project report on the implementation of metro system in Chennai.[2] Based on the report, the Government of Tamil Nadu approved the first phase of the project in November 2007.[3] The first phase was planned with two lines covering 45.1 km (28.0 mi) with 25 km (16 mi) being underground. The first corridor would connect Washermanpet with Chennai International Airport extending for 23.1 km (14.4 mi) with 14.3 km (8.9 mi) being underground.[2] In December 2007, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) was incorporated and the Government of India gave approval for the project in January 2009.[4][3]

The construction started in June 2009.[5] In August 2010, the contract for supplying rolling stock was awarded to Alstom.[6][7] Test and trial runs happened on the Green line in 2013 and early 2014.[8][9][10] After approvals from RDSO and the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, commercial operations started between Alandur and Koyambedu stations on the green line in June 2015.[11][12][13] On 21 September 2016, commercial operations commenced between Airport and Little Mount on the blue line.[14] In May 2018, the blue line was extended between Saidapet and AG-DMS.[15] On 10 February 2019, the underground stretch from AG-DMS to Washermanpet of blue line was opened, completing the first phase of the metro.[16]

Line Name Terminals Stations Opened
Blue Line Chennai Airport Little Mount 6 21 September 2016
Little Mount AG–DMS 4 25 May 2018
AG–DMS Washermanpet 7 10 February 2019

Phase 1 Extension

[edit]

A 9 kilometres (5.59 mi) northern extension of the blue line running from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar consisting of nine stations.[17][18] Construction started in July 2016 with trial runs in December 2020.[19][20] The line opened for passenger traffic on 14 February 2021, increasing the length of the operational metro system to 54.1 km (33.62 mi).[21]

Line Name Terminals Stations Opened
Blue Line Washermanpet Wimco Nagar 8 14 February 2021
Wimco Nagar Wimco Nagar Depot 1 13 March 2022

Future plans

[edit]

In 2021, CMRL proposed an extension to the first phase to connect the Airport with Kilambakkam.[22] Detailed project report for the project was submitted by CMRL in 2022.[23] The As of October 2023, the project is awaiting funds.[24]

Line Terminals Length Stations Status
Blue Line Chennai Airport Kilambakkam 15.3 km (9.5 mi) 12 DPR prepared

Infrastructure

[edit]
Chennai metro coaches are manufactured by Alstom

The trains are operated on 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge double-tracked lines.[25] The average speed of operation is 85 kilometres per hour (53 mph) and maximum speed is 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph).[26] Alstom supplies the rolling stock for the trains operated on the line.[27] The trains are air-conditioned with electrically operated automatic sliding doors and have a first-class compartment with a dedicated section reserved for women.[28]

The trains operate on 25 kV AC traction catenary system.[29] The trains are connected to the grid via overhead electric cables and are equipped with regenerative braking with a capacity to recover 30–35% of the energy during braking.[30] The electricity is supplied by Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.[31]

Network

[edit]
Platform screen doors installed in underground stations
See also: List of Chennai metro stations

A total of 26 stations are operational along the blue line with 13 underground stations. In the underground sections, a walkway runs along the length with cross passages every 250 metres (820 ft 3 in) for the maintenance and emergency evacuation.[32] The underground stations have an average width of 200 metres (656 ft 2 in) and average depth of 20 feet (6.1 m) from the ground level.[33] The length of the stations in Phase 1 extension is 180 metres (590 ft 7 in).[34][35] The elevated stations have three levels with the concourse level at a minimum height of 5.5 metres (18 ft 1 in) above the ground level and platform level above the concourse while the underground stations have two levels with platform screen doors.[36] The stations are air-conditioned and are equipped to be disabled and elderly friendly, with automatic fare collection system, announcement system, electronic display boards, escalators and lifts.[37] Paid parking facilities are available for two wheelers in most stations and four wheelers in select stations.[38]

The line connects the northeast and the southwest ends of the city. The stations include:

Blue Line
S.No Station name[21][39] Connections Station layout Platform type Opened
English Tamil
1 Wimco Nagar Depot விம்கோ நகர் பணிமனை Elevated Side 13 March 2022[40]
2 Wimco Nagar விம்கோ நகர் Mainline rail interchange North Line, Chennai Suburban (Wimco Nagar) 14 February 2021
3 Tiruvottriyur திருவொற்றியூர்
4 Tiruvottriyur Theradi திருவொற்றியூர் தேரடி 13 March 2022[41]
5 Kaladipet காலடிப்பேட்டை 14 February 2021
6 Tollgate சுங்கச்சாவடி
7 New Washermanpet புது வண்ணாரப்பேட்டை
8 Tondiarpet தண்டையார்பேட்டை Underground Island
9 Sir Theagaraya College தியாகராயா கல்லூரி
10 Washermanpet வண்ணாரப்பேட்டை Mainline rail interchange North Line, Chennai Suburban (Washermanpet) 10 February 2019
11 Mannadi மண்ணடி
12 High Court உயர் நீதிமன்றம் Bus interchange Broadway bus terminus
13 Central சென்ட்ரல்   Green Line
Mainline rail interchange Chennai Central
Mainline rail interchange South Line, Chennai Suburban (Park)
Mainline rail interchange West Line, Chennai Suburban (Moore Market)
Mainline rail interchange Chennai MRTS (Park Town)
14 Government Estate அரசினர் தோட்டம்
15 LIC எல்.ஐ.சி
16 Thousand Lights ஆயிரம் விளக்கு   Purple Line[§]
17 AG – DMS ஏ.ஜி.–டி.எம்.எஸ். 25 May 2018
18 Teynampet தேனாம்பேட்டை
19 Nandanam நந்தனம்   Orange Line[§]
20 Saidapet சைதாப்பேட்டை
21 Little Mount சின்னமலை Elevated Side 21 September 2016
22 Guindy கிண்டி Mainline rail interchange South Line, Chennai Suburban (Guindy)
23 Alandur ஆலந்தூர்   Green Line
  Red Line[§]
24 Nanganallur Road நங்கநல்லூர் சாலை
25 Meenambakkam மீனம்பாக்கம் Mainline rail interchange South Line, Chennai Suburban (Meenambakkam)
26 Chennai Airport சென்னை விமான நிலையம் Airport interchange Chennai International Airport
Mainline rail interchange South Line, Chennai Suburban (Tirusulam)

§ under construction

Operations

[edit]

As of 2022, the metro operates trains from 5 AM to 11 PM with an average frequency of one train every 6 minutes in peak hours and every 12 minutes in lean hours in the blue line.[42][43] The main operational control center (OCC) is located in Koyambedu where the movement of trains and real-time CCTV footage obtained is monitored.[44] In 2022, an elevated depot at Wimco Nagar covering an area of 3.5 ha (8.6 acres) commenced operations with facilities for inspection, emergency repair and a washing plant.[45][46] The minimum fare is ₹10 and the maximum fare is ₹50.[47][48] There are six types of tickets issued by CMRL for travel in Chennai Metro.[49]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Metro is a financial success, not just a technological one". Livemint. 11 September 2007. Archived from the original on 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  2. ^ a b c "Chennai Metro Rail Project approved by Government of India" (PDF) (Press release). Chennai Metro Rail Limited. 28 January 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Chennai Metro Rail FAQ". Chennai Metro Rail Limited. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Center nod for Metro Rail in Chennai". The Times of India. 16 April 2008. Archived from the original on 25 June 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
  5. ^ "Work commences on Chennai Metro". Projects Today. 11 June 2009. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  6. ^ "Alstom to provide 2000 cars for Chennai's metro". The Financial Express. 11 September 2010. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  7. ^ "First Metro Rolling Stock contract in India" (Press release). Alstom Transport. 9 September 2010. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  8. ^ Ramakrishnan, T. (6 November 2013). "Chennai Metro Rail Test Run". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  9. ^ "Metro Rail Rolls Out a Surprise with Koyambedu-Pillar trial Run". New Indian Express. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
  10. ^ "Chennai Metro holds trial on elevated section". Business Line. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
  11. ^ "Chennai Metro one stop short of dream run". Deccan Chronicle. 31 August 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  12. ^ "Conditional clearance for Metro Rail". The Hindu. 28 April 2015. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  13. ^ Chennai Metro Newsletter - August 2015 (PDF) (Report). Chennai Metro. 29 June 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  14. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (14 May 2017). "Naidu, Palaniswami flag off underground stretch of Chennai Metro". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  15. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (25 May 2018). "Chennai Metro Rail opens two underground stretches". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  16. ^ Simhan, TE Raja (10 February 2019). "PM Modi inaugurates Chennai Metro Rail's final leg". The Hindu Businessline. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  17. ^ "Track work in Metro phase 1 extension to begin soon". The Hindu. 6 December 2018. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  18. ^ "First set of trains for Chennai metro phase 1 extension flagged-off". Business Line. 19 October 2019. Archived from the original on 5 November 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  19. ^ "Opening of phase-1 Chennai metro extension stretch to be delayed?". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  20. ^ "Chennai: Trial run between Washermanpet and Wimco Nagar Metro stations successful, says CMRL". Indian Express. 26 December 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  21. ^ a b "Project status of Chennai Metro". Chennai Metro Rail Limited. Archived from the original on 26 September 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  22. ^ "Work on 15-km Metro line from airport to Kilambakkam in Chennai suburbs may begin this year". The New Indian Express. 23 February 2021. Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  23. ^ "Chennai Airport-Kilambakkam Metro project set to take off". The Hindu. 20 July 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  24. ^ "With no funds from Centre for phase II of Metro, Airport-Kilambakkam project unlikely to be taken up now". The Hindu. 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  25. ^ Srinivasan, Meera (3 February 2013). "Countdown to Chennai Metro begins". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  26. ^ "Metro rail train zips over city roads". The Hindu. 6 June 2016. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  27. ^ "Alstom completes in Lapa plant the first train for Chennai metro, in India" (Press release). Alstom. May 2013. Archived from the original on 21 April 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  28. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (18 July 2014). "All aboard, Chennai Metro". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  29. ^ "Alstom to provide 168 cars for Chennai's metro for 243 million" (Press release). Alstom. 1 September 2010. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  30. ^ "First ride in a Chennai Metro train". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  31. ^ "Metro rail sets up units to power trains, stations to meet year-end deadline to start services". The Times of India. 15 April 2014. Archived from the original on 18 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  32. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (10 August 2014). "First underground Metro network by December 2015". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  33. ^ "Metro's underground frame" (PDF). Chennai Metro. 20 September 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  34. ^ "Metro Phase 1 extension tunneling nears completion". The Hindu. 25 September 2017. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  35. ^ "CMRL's compact stations have their own fan club". The Hindu. Chennai. 29 June 2018. Archived from the original on 30 January 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  36. ^ Chennai Metro Investment Project (PDF). Asian Development Bank (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 June 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  37. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (20 January 2014). "No clarity on access at Chennai Metro stations yet, say disabled". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  38. ^ Parking Facilities Availability 2018 (PDF) (Report). chennaimetrorail.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  39. ^ "Chennai Metro, line map" (PDF). Chennai Metro Rail Limited. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  40. ^ "Metro Rail plans a station at Wimco Nagar depot". The Hindu. 5 January 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  41. ^ "CMRL likely to handle up to 3.5L daily commuters soon". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  42. ^ "Single train trip to equal 160 buses, 3000 cars and 6000 bikes". The Hindu. 29 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  43. ^ Timings of Chennai Metro Rail As of January 2022 (PDF). Chennai Metro Rail (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 January 2022.
  44. ^ Karthikeyan, K. (26 July 2014). "High tech control room for Chennai metro". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 4 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  45. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (5 May 2018). "Metro Rail extension gathers pace". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  46. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (16 July 2014). "Chennai Metro to get a second depot". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 February 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  47. ^ Sekar, Sunitha (11 February 2019). "Chennai Metro: Now, ride from Washermanpet to airport takes just 40 minutes". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  48. ^ Chennai Metro fare table (PDF) (Report). Chennai Metro. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  49. ^ "Tickets issued by CMRL". Chennai Metro. Archived from the original on 6 September 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Line_(Chennai_Metro)&oldid=1246116958"