Zipping above Chennai in the Metro

So the direction challenged, hard-to-tell-right-from-left me has used the Chennai Metro rail and lived to tell the story. Travelling by Metro was not so new to me as we did commute in all its glory when we had visited Europe in 2012. But what was different between then and now is that this is our very own spanky, new, bright-eyed skeletal frame work Chennai Metro, as against the mind-boggling colossal labyrinth seen in Europe, and this time S wasn't with me to help make sense of the direction and destination of each train.

It all started when I decided to take the Metro to commute for a training assignment to DLF, Porur. The training program which will last 45 hours of 2 hours each class demanded a more reliable and cost efficient transport especially since my client was paying me all inclusive. Earlier I used to be extravagant and take the cab to and fro thereby dipping into the margin of my profits. But what can I say, I have gotten mature, and so more responsible (ahem). More money saved, is more money to spend on things dear to me.

The gleaming, spotless underground station at Shenoy Nagar

The Metro line that I was interested in ran from Nehru park to Alandur and then with a change of line to the Airport. There are two lines currently running. Apart from what I mentioned, there is a one running from Washermanpet, through Chennai Central, Thousand lights, Teynampet, Saidapet, Guindy and after a few stops to the Airport. I haven't used the latter at all, so I don't think I shall attempt writing more about it.

Route Map - CMRL

To ease the direction challenged me into safe journeying in the coming days, S decided we take the Metro on a Sunday with Ana kutti and my mother. We got to the Shenoy Nagar one, which is an underground station. I was taken up with the charming, white picket fence surrounding the aesthetic glass and chrome structure. We walked up the small flight of stairs and walked down a very long flight of stairs and across a highly polished, slippery granite floor to the ticket counter.  Everything was gleaming and new - something that might not remain the same for long in our dear city, where there is a serious lack of civic sense among people.

Ticket to Ekkaduthangal, which we thought was the nearest stop for me to go to DLF, was Rs. 45/- one way. So for a return ticket I paid Rs. 90 plus a Rs. 10 as deposit for the card - a 100 rupee ride for a half way commute to work. And here I thought taking the train was supposed to be cheaper! So we paid up Rs. 300 to go to Ekkaduthangal and back. After a body check and bag check (no eatables, sorry!) we were ushered down another flight of stairs to Platform 1 and 2. The train to Alandur was going to come to Platform 1. There were many happy families taking selfies and getting into the mood altogether. In about a few minutes, our metro came charging in and we alighted at the designated doors. The clean, chrome and steel interior was filled with other commuters, who were out for a Sunday evening ride, it looked like. With clear instructions in Tamil and English that boomed around the train through the speakers, the doors closed and we were on our way. The train goes underground till Thirumangalam which was the third stop from Shenoy Nagar. After that we took to the air and it was a nice experience to see the city flash by below us and also to see the facades of some of the buildings we came across on the road. After twenty minutes, we reached Ekkaduthangal, bang outside Hilton hotel. Twenty minutes! Unthinkable on road.

I was sold out from the first ride itself. I found myself looking forward to taking the train the next day on my own. Our way back was uneventful, but comfortable. We swiped our cards at the end of our journey in Shenoy Nagar again and were out of the station to our car parked outside. We could top up the same cards from then on or even get ourselves a monthly pass if need be. Since I was not going regularly for training, it didn't make sense to take a pass. The card was valid for as long as the money holds, which means I could top up with Rs. 500/- and enjoy five days of commuting in the Metro in a month. However, the ticket cost is debited only when you enter a particular station. Once in one can take as many connecting trains to reach the destination.

The very next day very confidently I walked down the stairs and up to the ticket counter. After the bag check and body check I strode down to the platform below. As done the previous day, I stood at a designated place and within seconds boarded the train that was going to Nehru Park!! I sat inside the train, the very picture of a smart corporate employee, but my mind was whirling in confusion. I couldn't comprehend this new information to an otherwise plain and easy commute. I got off at Nehru Park secure in the knowledge that I was indeed going away from my destination. (Whew!) So I got off with a sense of purpose in the Nehru Park station, confirmed with the helpful guard there that the next train indeed was going to Ekkaduthangal and then waited for the train.

The view inside the train. I like the beautiful bright lettering on the outside walls. 

That's just one of the many bumbling things I have done over the past few trips in the Metro. One thing however has been consistent - I have not regretted my decision to travel by the Metro in spite of the saving probably just 100 Rs in the bargain. This ride above the city has been a boon of sorts, giving me a quick transport over the city while below chaos reigns in the form of peak traffic jams and as is the case these past few rainy days, water logging and subsequent peak hour pricing by the

cabs. in the rain drenched, traffic clogged Chennai right now.