Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy has said inter-state bus travel will be allowed once the gravity of the pandemic declines. Talking to reporters in Kanchipuram last evening, he said the COVID-19 caseload is registering a dip. In Tamil Nadu, the active COVID caseload has witnessed a marginal decline which now stands at nearly 48,000. The total infections have crossed 4.91 lakh while the recoveries have zoomed past 4.35 lakh. Furthermore, the Metro Rail in Chennai has begun attracting an impressive patronage from the commuters.
Metro Rail services in Chennai has apparently gained the confidence of the passengers during the prevailing pandemic, as it shows an increasing patronage day by day. In the first three days, over 24-thousand passengers travelled by the metro, a record which is more than many other cities, though the operational route-length at present in Chennai is comparatively lesser.
To encourage contactless ticketing in view of public safety, card readers are installed in all 32 stations and a 20-per cent concession from the fare is being offered to those who go for it. Safety, punctuality and travel comfort put the metro rail on the top of the options for the commuters in the city.
Meanwhile, the suburban electric train services in Chennai are yet to be back on track. The State government is reported to have given its go ahead to resume them, and the Southern Railway has said a decision is being awaited from the headquarters, which needs to be taken in consultation with the related departments dealing with the health and safety aspects.