Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Chennai Transforms Stations into Reading Hubs with Book Vending Machines
Chennai is making reading easier for everyone!
A young woman named Mayawathi started Sunset Hues, putting book vending machines in train stations.
These machines sell books for under Rs 300, and they're already a hit.
Plus, the Chennai Central Metro Station has a huge book park with thousands of books, a reading area, and a cafe.
This park opened in June 2025.
These projects are changing the daily lives of people who use public transport by offering a quiet escape.
Whether you're waiting for a train or a metro, now you can pick up a book and read!
Book vending machines are installed at MGR Chennai Central and Tambaram Railway Stations.
The machines offer a variety of books priced under Rs 300.
The initiative, Sunset Hues, was founded by Mayawathi, a 26-year-old.
Chennai Central Metro Station houses a 5,000-square-foot book park.
The Metro Book Park features over 15,000 books and a reading area.
- Who
- Mayawathi, along with the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation
- What
- Initiatives to promote reading at Chennai train and metro stations including book vending machines and a book park
- When
- Vending machines recently launched, Metro Book Park opened in June 2025.
- Where
- Chennai train stations (MGR Chennai Central, Tambaram), Chennai Central Metro Station, and Airport Metro Station (planned)
- Why
- To provide commuters with reading opportunities and make literature accessible.
- Initiative Name
- Sunset Hues
- Founder
- Mayawathi
- Age of Founder
- 26
- Book Vending Locations
- MGR Chennai Central, Tambaram, and Airport Metro Station (planned)
- Metro Book Park Location
- Chennai Central Metro Station
- Metro Book Park Size
- 5,000 square feet
- Metro Park Inauguration
- June 2025