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Films, songs, TV shows: Chennai Metro to introduce entertainment options for commuters

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A ride on the Chennai Metro will no longer have any dull moments. When Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s (CMRL) latest onboard entertainment plan rolls out, commuters will be able to download movies, songs or episodes from their favourite TV shows on the go. Speaking to TNM, an official from CMRL says the plan is expected to be launched by the end of December or early January next year. If this comes into play, Chennai’s Metro would reportedly become the first in the country to provide such entertainment options.

According to reports, this is how the system is expected to work: Commuters will have to download and install an app specifically designed for this purpose. This app is yet to be launched. Once installed, commuters will be able to view the contents on the app, only if they are connected to the Wi-Fi at the Metro stations.

This Wi-Fi network, however, cannot be used for browsing the internet or for making calls but will ensure high-speed downloads. According to the Times of India, the Wi-Fi’s speed will be such that users can download a movie in about five seconds. Users will also be able to download the content to be watched offline within a specific period of time.

Content will be made available in five languages — Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and English and servers will be installed in all Metro stations, depots and in trains. This content will also be updated regularly as the servers in the trains will be synced to those in the depots and in the stations.

Nearly two years after the first underground line between Nehru Park and Koyambedu opened, CMRL began installing WiFi facilities at all its stations in February this year. At present, CMRL has black spots in its underground stations, where mobile networks are not available. CMRL is working to fix this. Mobile network services from Jio and Airtel are available between Thirumangalam and Egmore stations.

A trip between Washermenpet and Chennai Airport, which could take about an hour, could be boring for some of its commuters if there’s no mobile network. This new plan aims to offer better services to Metro commuters by keeping them entertained. 

Source: The News Minute