CHENNAI: When Thiruvottiyur Theradi metro station begins train operations, another station inside Wimco Nagar depot may also open its doors for the public.
The Wimco Nagar depot station is in addition to the eight stations on the 9km phase-1 extension between Washermenpet and Wimco Nagar. Both the stations are receiving finishing touches and getting ready a year after seven of the eight stations on the extension line opened in February 2021.
An official said both Thiruvottiyur Theradi and Wimco Nagar depot stations are awaiting inspection by commissioner of metro rail safety, whose nod is final for commencing train operations at both these stations. “We have submitted all the necessary documents for the stations to CMRS for inspection. Stations may open soon,” an official said.
Officials said Wimco Nagar depot station is smaller than those on the extension line. The depot station may become the closest metro rail facility for residents of Ernavoor, Chinna Ernavoor and even Ennore who could board a direct train to Central metro and Airport metro. They could also switch corridors at Central metro to reach Egmore metro or CMBT.
“The station is attached to the depot, but it will have separate entry for commuters from outside,” an official said. The station will also serve employees at the depot, when it is open, and occupants of the 20-storey building planned above the depot.
Sources said the depot being built on a 48,000sqm land may take a few more months to get ready. The elevated depot is being built at 12m height with 16 lines including 11 stabling lines.
Earlier officials said Thiruvottiyur Theradi station, which links crowd gathering market and temple area in Thiruvottiyur, could not be built on time due to delay in land acquisition and change in alignment design. The corridor height was raised near the station to allow the chariot of an ancient temple to pass below during its annual festival.
