Chennai Metro’s Vadapalani Phase II station is operating with an unfinished entry and exit, unclear signage, non-functioning platform information displays and platform screen doors that remain open, creating access and safety concerns for commuters using the newly opened corridor.
The station is part of the 14.6-km Poonamallee to Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro’s Phase II network, which was inaugurated on Sunday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Passenger services have begun, but work on the Phase II station’s own entry and exit is yet to be completed.
Commuters are currently required to enter through the Vadapalani Phase I station on 100 Feet Road and use a connecting skywalk to reach the Phase II platform. The route involves a long walk and requires passengers to go up two floors before boarding the connecting train. Passengers travelling with luggage said the transfer was tiring and difficult, particularly because the skywalk is longer than necessary and the connections are not clearly explained.
Selva, a resident of Porur, told The Hindu that he and his family had travelled from Chennai Central Metro station to Vadapalani Phase I before making the transfer. “It is pretty tiring to walk through the skywalk and reach the Phase II station’s platform with the baggage. They could have planned a short transit here to connect both the stations. Those who have to pull the baggage, and walk will find it difficult,” he said.
The station also has half-height platform screen doors intended to act as barriers between passengers and the tracks. However, the doors at Vadapalani Phase II remain open, according to the report. The platform information display system, which should show real-time train arrival information, is also not functioning.
Balaji, a frequent commuter, said the combination of open platform doors and unavailable train information was prompting some passengers to move close to the platform edge and look for approaching trains. Staff members have been asking commuters to move back, but the arrangement becomes more difficult during peak hours, he said.
Wayfinding is another problem. Signage from the Phase I station directs passengers towards the skywalk but does not clearly state that it leads to the Phase II station. Commuters said first-time users may therefore be unsure whether they are taking the correct route.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited officials told The Hindu that work on the Phase II station’s entry and exit would be completed in a couple of months. An official also said signage would be improved wherever necessary. The report did not provide a separate completion date for restoring the platform screen doors or the platform information display system.
