Years after launch, Chennai Metro Rail to revamp toilets across 54-km network

Several years after its launch, Chennai Metro Rail is set to take up the modernisation and revamp of the toilets in the phase I and phase I extension network. 

All stations in the 54-km network’s two corridors — Wimco Nagar to Chennai airport, and Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount — have washroom facilities. 

According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), initially, five stations with high footfall will be renovated. These include Chennai Central, Chennai Airport, Thirumangalam, High Court, and Meenambakkam. 

“About 12,000-15,000 passengers use each of these high footfall stations every day. Chennai Central witnesses a maximum of nearly 25,000-28,000 passengers daily. We think it is time to upgrade the washroom facilities. All the fittings and fixtures will be replaced; LED-backlit mirrors, sensor-based taps and dispensers installed; and the tiles and flooring will be changed entirely. We have floated bids and are hoping to start work on these stations within the next three months,” an official said. 

The work on these stations would be completed in 6-8 months. Following that, the remaining stations would be taken up for revamp, officials said. By the end of 2026 or early 2027, all washrooms in the network will be upgraded.

Officials said they would also check how frequently the washrooms need to be cleaned, and increase it after the work is completed. “Since we are seeing a consistent growth in the number of commuters using our facilities, it is imperative that we maintain all the facilities well. Washroom is an important amenity for commuters, and if we want to attract more travellers, we should look at every aspect of station maintenance and improve on it periodically,” another official said.

Sources said, one of the stations that needs increased attention is the Chennai Central. “We have received complaints over the maintenance of washrooms in the station in the past. Post-revamp, we are looking to increase the manpower for cleaning, so that there are no complaints,” a source said.