Chennai Metro launches electric auto feeder services as a pilot project

Chennai (Urban Transport News): The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) in association with the Namma Auto project has launched electric autos as a feeder service to the metro as a pilot project. This novel initiative by CMRL is another step towards the promise to build a more sustainable and convenient transport for the people of Chennai.

The launch of operations for electric auto-rickshaws in Chennai is further proof to the narrative of how sustainable and green public transport is the need of the present as well as the future.

CMRL has provided free charging and parking facilities for these autos for the duration of the pilot while the launch of operations will be from Alandur metro station and will cover other stations in the coming months. The auto-rickshaws are meant to be noise free with zero tail-pipe emission and will provide commuters with a clean and green option to reach their respective locations.

The event was inaugurated at Alandur Metro Station by Thiru Narasim Prasad, Director (Systems & Operations), CMRL, Manju Menon, Project Manager, Namma Auto project along with Senior Officials and staff of CMRL and Namma Metro were present during the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Thiru Narasim Prasad, Director (Systems & Operations), CMRL appreciated the European Union funded Namma Auto Project for taking the initiative and supporting Chennai metro with an electric alternative as a feeder.

“CMRL has always worked towards the betterment of public transport in Chennai and while we are running feeder services from various metro stations, the launch of an electric feeder system is an extension of CMRL’s mandate to offer our customers an effective means of transport for a sustainable future”, said Thiru Narasim Prasad.

Speaking during the launch, Manju Menon, Project Manager, Namma Auto project said “This pilot project has been initiated to establish electric auto-rickshaws as a convenient, customer friendly and viable option of first and last mile metro connectivity for the people of Chennai, asserting a strong step towards sustainable urban transport.

This project also provides backing to our focus on implementing the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) which includes building a sustainable community and promotes action to improve climate change. We are thankful to CMRL for giving us the opportunity to run this feeder and spread the word of sustainability among the residents of Chennai.”

The Namma Auto project is implemented by four consortium partners, Fondazione ACRA (Italy), Enviu Foundation(Netherlands), Women Health and Development( WHAD) and The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI) from India.

As a pilot project, a total of 3 nos of electric autos at a flat rate of Rs.10/- will be shuttling between Alandur and DLF IT Park, Porur, Chennai.