Check-in and bag drop at the Metro?
Tired of lugging heavy bags with you on your journey to the airport? A new initiative being explored could transform your experience.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) are in discussions surrounding the introduction of airport check-in and bag drop options at selected metro stations. This service would alleviate pressure on the busy airport whilst streamlining the experience for passengers
Once at a dedicated counter in a selected Metro station, customers could receive their boarding pass and check-in their luggage, leaving them free to spend time in the city without luggage before journeying on to the airport.
In March 2023, a feasibility study will be conducted regarding the viability of this initiative. All being well, the service will be rolled out on 14 April 2023. Once running, the service will be extended into additional metro stations dependent on passenger demand.
An AAI official said:
“We held meetings with IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara who are keen to help in implementing this facility. There will be feasibility study initially to see how it can be put into use and we also need to get some approvals and clearances.”
If successfully rolled out, this initiative will reduce congestion at the airport and significantly improve the extended passenger journey for travellers.
Moreover, it is hoped that the check-in and bag drop option would encourage airport-bound commuters to opt for the Metro thereby reducing the levels of congested road traffic. Simultaneously, this would reduce the carbon footprint of the journey leading towards the airport.
Article by Jess Brownlow
