Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The Government of Tamil Nadu has given in-principle approval to introduce first and last mile connectivity (FLMC) services around Phase-I stations of the Chennai Metro. At present, the Metro records around 3 to 3.2 lakh passengers daily, and officials believe better connectivity will help increase ridership. However, transport experts and
commuters have suggested that such services should not be limited to Metro stations alone. They want similar connectivity to be provided at suburban railway and Chennai MRTS stations as well. Experts have also stressed the need to create electric charging infrastructure at Metro and suburban stations.
Chennai Metro Phase I
In the first phase, 11 major Metro stations will be covered under this plan. Around 220 feeder vehicles, mostly electric, will be deployed to connect nearby areas with the stations and help commuters travel easily to and from the Metro. The initiative has been named Metro at the Doorstep, which was approved on February 18, 2026, after it was submitted by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA).
Additional Transport Services
According to officials, poor first and last-mile connectivity is one of the main reasons many people still prefer using private vehicles instead of the Metro. To address this issue, the plan also includes 70 small buses to carry 19 passengers each, and 150 microbuses or vans for carrying 12 passengers each.
Since CMRL cannot operate road-based public transport services directly under the Motor Vehicles Act, the feeder services will be operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). CUMTA will be responsible for route planning and coordinating the services.
The first phase will cover stations such as Thirumangalam, Vadapalani, Koyambedu, Guindy, Alandur, Meenambakkam, OTA Nanganallur, St Thomas Mount, Washermenpet, Wimco Nagar and the airport. Currently, only 22 minibuses connect these stations with nearby areas, and they run every 20 minutes. The new feeder buses are expected to run every five minutes.
Experts from Anna University have said the routes of these buses should be carefully planned so they support Metro travel without duplicating existing MTC bus services.
