Poor patronage, high rent cited as reasons for move

Kiosks and resturants at Chennai Metro stations are shutting down owing to losses as few commuters use them.

Cafe Udupi Ruchi which ran a restaurant in four underground stations — Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar Tower and Shenoy Nagar — has kept its outlets closed for the last three weeks. Abhishek N. Murali, director of Cafe Udupi Ruchi, said, “We have a space of 250-300 sq. ft. in each station and pay ₹300 per sq. ft. But we hardly do any business as there are only 4,000-5,000 people using these stations. It is not financially viable for us.”

If Chennai Metro reduces the rent, then he might consider reopening the restaurants. “If they don’t, then I plan to shut them down completely,” he added.

Chennai Metro, which began its first service five years ago, now has about 55,000 people using its services on a daily basis. Commuters have cited fares that range from ₹10-₹70 as the primary reason why many hesitate to travel by the Chennai Metro.

‘Bring down rent’

Hari Keshav, a commuter from Anna Nagar, said, “They should bring down the rent prices so that more companies put up kiosks. And, more importantly, they should bring down the fares and increase the frequency of trains. A commuter should have access to eateries and shops in a metro.”

A popular leggings brand has also closed its kiosks at four stations owing to the low number of commuters, sources said. Similarly, a company that has a contract with Chennai Metro to put up kiosks, plans to terminate the contract.

According to sources in Chennai Metro Rail Limited, they are trying to negotiate with this firm to see if they can continue.