Introduction of feeder services, revamping existing parking lots and construction of multi-level parking facilities are a few suggestions put forth by urban planners to address the crucial issue of inadequate space in parking lots at railway stations in Chennai.According to A N Sachidanandan, former Director, School of Planning and Architecture, Anna University, launching feeder services connecting major railway stations with suburban areas would be the best solution. "This would encourage more motorists to switch over to public transportation. Feeder services are cheaper and safer, when compared with riding two  wheeler," he underscored.Stating that there was a proposal made two decades back to operate feeder services between Mass Rapid Transport System station at Velacherry and adjoining localities, Sachidanandan, who was also the ex-president of Institute of Town Planners, India said, "These buses were planned to ply on radial roads from Velacherry to Tambaram and Old Mammalapuram Road."Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is...
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running frequent services on route number M14, linking St Thomas Mount railway station and NGO Colony. Though not on the concept of feeder service, the fleets cover many residential pockets situated in Adambakkam, Madipakkam, Vanuvampet, Keelkatalai, Kovilambakkam, Nanmangalam and Medavakkam areas alongside the arterial Medavakkam Main Road.
Another noted town planner stresses the need for revamping parking lots, in a bid to accommodate more vehicles visiting railway stations.
S Santhanam, former member, Chief Urban Planner, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, said railway officials must explore the possibilities of acquiring land near railway stations for expanding the existing parking lots.
"A move in this direction would increase the patronage for trains in a long run, reflecting on more revenue. The railways can carry out this task in a phased manner beginning with major stations, initially," he added.
Also, multi-level parking facility on the lines of Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus at Koyembedu is another way out for the suburban railway stations in Chennai.