10 lesser known facts about the Chennai Metro

The first train from Chennai Metro Rail left from Alandur at 12.15 pm yesterday.

The train would cover the 10.1-km stretch in 19 minutes (as compared to an hour via road), and halt a considerable 30 seconds at each station.

Business Insider India compiles a host of lesser known facts about Chennai’s new Metro service.

1. Chennai Metro trains offer the provision to ply without train operators. However, they will have operators for a while.

2. Physically-challenged passengers can request for a longer stoppage time by pressing a button.

3. The five trains would make 192 trips in two directions.

4. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded 59.22% of the project with a hefty loan. The Centre has contributed a mere 15%.

5. When complete, the 45 kms Metro project would cover two routes - around 23 kms from Wannarapet to Airport, and 21 kms from Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount.

6. Chennai Metro is India's most expensive metro rail service. Its commuters would pay Rs. 40 for a 10 kms journey where passengers in Delhi and Bangalore pay Rs. 18 and Rs. 23 respectively.

7. Each train can hold a maximum of 1,200 passengers.

8. The final metro rail network is expected to cover 32 stations - 19 underground and 13 elevated.

9. The Chennai Metro’s average speed of 35 kmph is exactly in the middle of Bangalore’s 34 kmph and Delhi’s 36 kmph.

10. The first train’s operator A Preethi was specially trained for a year and half for her role.

(Image: Indiatimes)