Dhruvi Modi

As Chennai is facing acute water shortage from weeks, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited is also trying to do its part to reduce the usage of water. CMRL has been switching off the air conditioners during non-peak hours as a means of reducing usage of water. They have been switching off the ACs from 12 noon to 5pm, non-peak hours, yet the hottest hours of the day.

Over the last few days, commuters of the Chennai Metro have been complaining of inconvenience since the The CMRL uses around 9,000 litres of water per day, out of which, around 7,000 litres is used for the operation of the air conditioners alone.   

According to a report, during peak hours, the commuters complained of suffocation and also said that they have been uncomfortable while travelling in the Metro trains. The train from Airport to Washermenpet sees a lot of commuters a day. With the sudden increase in temperature in the stations, commuters have stated that most of the ducts in the ACs do not blow air in the trains.

“We switch on the AC system once in an hour to make sure we maintain 26 deg C at both platform and concourse levels. By switching off, we are able to save around 30% of water at every station,” an official was quoted on Times of India. While the ACs in the platforms and concourse are temperature-controlled, the air conditioning in the trains works in full capacity for all working hours of the day (4am to 11pm). Even though the trains also have a temperature of 25 and 26 degree Celsius, the ACs are kept switched on, making it bearable for the commuters depending on the rail service.

Chennai’s water crisis is worsening by the day; everyone around the city is suffering to go about their day-to-day activities. While Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s move does play a part in reducing water usage as well as wastage, during non-peak hours, the citizens are still feeling the inconvenience and are facing the unstoppable heat. The city is growing desperate, as we have also seen poojas being conducted to appeal to the rain gods. The only ray of hope the city of Chennai has is the monsoon rains.