Modern, mega, multideck: Mother of all metro stations coming to Chennai

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is all set to open its biggest station on Poonamallee High Road in the next couple of months. The enormous Central Metro station will be 28 metres underground with more than 60 staircases, 35 escalators and 15 elevators. The three-decked metro station will be nothing less than a maze-like structure spread across over 3 lakh square feet area, according to The Times of India.
R Ramanathan, former metro rail director, said the station will be ahead in standards when compared to that of London and New York subways. The metro station which will boast of high standards and facilities has been thoughtfully constructed with the likes of metro stations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe. "In terms of interiors, signalling and safety systems, Central Metro will be more modern than those in Europe which are several decades old. The station is bigger than Rajiv Chowk in Delhi," Ramanathan said.
The sprawling metro station which has been built by Afcons Infrastructure, will have platform levels double in size with two island platforms in between tracks built on two levels. While, the siding lines for drivers to start train operations will make it easy for commuters to board trains faster.
The station will boast of a number of facilities from the entry level to the platforms. Right from the ticketing level to the platforms, the station will be equipped with world class facilities. There will be nearly 50,000 square feet space for food and entertainment, and 14 ticket counters manned by staff in formal uniforms to help those travelling by metro trains.

• India