The trip to Central

PT Rajan Road in KK Nagar is an awkward place to be, if one has to take the Metro. Vadapalani Metro is not so near, probably a walk of 15 minutes, with no direct buses available – the ones that go to Vadapalani terminus (5E and 70M) take a left at Sivan Koil Street and prove to be useless. Buses to Ashok Nagar Metro either stop at ESI or after the right turn near Pillar, resulting in a walk after travelling for a longer distance. One should consider lucky to get a 17D or 37D that stops in front of the metro station, especially if it is on a late Sunday night. Uber and Ola charge around 70, which is too much for such a short distance. I have an option of taking a 11G or a 17D directly to Central – however, the bus frequency on a Sunday night is as erratic as the availability of an auto. Add the masala of travelling through an unpredictable traffic in Mount Road and Valluvar Kottam area, a perfect recipe for plan-spoiler is ready.

So, it was really a pleasant surprise when I discovered and attempted booking a Rapido bike taxi to Vadapalani metro. It was nifty! The ‘captain’ turned up in less than 2 minutes and it took only 5 minutes to reach the metro station. After the first-ride discount, the fare was only Rs. 14.

For a 22.10 departure train, I conservatively started at 20.20 h, got dropped at metro station at 20.25, got metro at 20.30, reached Central Metro station at 20.55 and was in front of my coach at 21.10h. 50 minutes door-to-door. Wonderful and comparatively inexpensive way of reaching Central.

For the return, I am planning to attempt taking a bus from Perambur, get down at KMC or CMBT and book a Rapido. Will update later!