Chennai: At Central Metro’s crowded platform, Khushi and Anita stood where chaos usually began: at the train doors. Tthe two sociology students gently held back commutersrushing to board, urging them to form queues and allow passengers to alight first. “It’s interesting to connect with people from different backgrounds, and our academic training helps us interact with them,” said Khushi.Most commuters cooperate once the rules are explained, said Anita.
The two students are among 64 volunteers from Sri Kanyaka Parameswari College deployed at the city’s busiest metro hub as part of a crowd management initiative by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The programme was introduced after officials observed that disorderly boarding, with passengers rushing in without letting others alight, increased train dwell time and disrupted scheduled operations during peak hours.The students regulate passenger movement on Platforms 5 and 6 (Wimco Nagar–Airport line) at Central Metro between 8am and 11am on alternate days. Their responsibilities include guiding commuters on routes, promoting queue discipline, and ensuring orderly boarding and alighting. Before deployment, they were trained in crowd handling, passenger engagement, and metro regulations.Despite the pressure of the exam season, several students described the experience as rewarding. Bummika B, the college’s cultural secretary, said the programme offered learning beyond classrooms. “It helped improve my communication and leadership skills, and I can already see changes on the platforms,” she said.M Pavithra, a member of the pink squad, a women’s team deployed for crowd management, said commuter behaviour began changing within days. “Earlier, platforms were chaotic. Now many passengers themselves check the markings and line up,” she said.Station controller Suresh A said students were more effective than staff in spreading awareness. “Passengers listen better to them,” he said. Officials estimate that around 70% of commuters now follow platform guidelines, though escalator etiquette remains slower to improve.CMRL plans to extend the programme to Alandur and Teynampet stations for another three months, with NCC-trained students deployed during evening peak hours.
