Union cabinet approves Phase II of Chennai Metro Rail Project, comprising three corridors

The project completion cost is Rs 63,246 crore and is planned to be completed by 2027. Once Phase II is fully operational, Chennai city will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km, said an official release.

In the Phase II Project, the first corridor comprises from Madhavaram to SIPCOT for a length of 45.8 Km with 50 stations, whereas the second corridor covers from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass for a length of 26.1 Km with 30 stations, and the third corridor comprises from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur for a length of 47 Km with 48 stations.

The Phase-II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city's infrastructure development. It acts as a major expansion of the Metro Rail Network in the city.

Phase-II will add approximately 118.9 Km of new metro lines. The Corridors of Phase-II connect North to South and East to West of Chennai passing through the major influence areas at Madhavaram, Perambur, Thirumayilai, Adyar, Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Porur, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, St. Thomas Mount connecting large number of industrial, commercial, residential and institutional establishments and also provides effective Public Transport for the workforce engaged in these clusters and connectivity to various parts of the city.

It will extend connectivity to rapidly growing areas like Sholinganallur, which serves as a hub for the south Chennai IT corridor. By connecting Sholinganallur via ELCOT, the metro corridor will cater to the transportation needs of the burgeoning IT workforce.

Metro Rail as an efficient alternate road transport and with Phase-II as an extension to the Metro Rail network in Chennai city is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the city. Reduction in road traffic can lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, increasing overall road safety etc.

The addition of the Phase-II Metro Rail Project and the increase in the overall Metro Rail Network in Chennai city can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport.

Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces more efficiently. The construction and operation of Phase-II will generate numerous jobs in various sectors, from construction workers to administrative staff and maintenance personnel.

Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions.

The expansion of the Metro Rail network in Chennai will provide more equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities which will contribute to a higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to essential services, further added the press release.

The Phase-II Chennai Metro Rail Project is set to be a transformative development for the city. It promises to deliver enhanced connectivity, reduced traffic congestion, environmental benefits, economic growth, and improved quality of life. By addressing key urban challenges and providing a foundation for future expansion, Phase-II will play a crucial role in shaping the city's development trajectory and sustainability. (ANI)