The Union Cabinet has officially sanctioned the second phase of the Chennai Metro project, which spans 119 kilometers and is estimated to cost ₹63,246 crore. This ambitious project aims to enhance the city’s public transportation system and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Project Overview
- Length: 119 kilometers
- Cost: ₹63,246 crore
- Completion Year: 2027
- Stations: 128 stations interconnecting key areas in Chennai
This project will be financed through contributions from both central and state governments, supplemented by loans from various financial institutions.
Approval Process
The Cabinet’s decision to move forward with the second phase of the Chennai Metro was finalized on Thursday, effectively breaking a months-long impasse regarding the project. According to reports from Times of India, the approval process for such a substantial investment was remarkably swift, taking just one day to conclude—an unusual feat given the project’s scale and the number of ministries involved.
Metro Network Expansion
Once completed, the entire metro network in Chennai will extend to 173 kilometers, significantly improving the transportation capacity of the city.
Reactions to the Approval
- PM Modi expressed his congratulations to the people of Chennai and Tamil Nadu via a post on X, highlighting the project’s potential to alleviate traffic congestion and foster sustainable economic growth.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin thanked the Prime Minister for his support during their recent meeting, emphasizing that the long-standing demand of Tamil Nadu residents had finally been addressed.
- K. Annamalai, Tamil Nadu BJP President, also extended his gratitude to the PM, noting that the central government had shown a renewed interest in ensuring Tamil Nadu receives its fair share of resources, which he claimed was overlooked during the previous UPA government’s tenure.
Project Specifications
The second phase will consist of three main corridors:
- Madhavaram to SIPCOT
- Light House to Poonamallee Bypass
- Madhavaram to Sholinganallur
These corridors will connect the northern, southern, eastern, and western parts of Chennai, traversing through vital city areas.
- Elevated vs. Underground: 64% of the corridors will be elevated, while the remaining 36% will be underground.
- Speed Specifications: The design speed of the metro network will be 80 km/h, with a scheduled operational speed of 32 km/h.
Capacity and Integration
According to the Union Ministry, once the second phase becomes operational, the metro network will accommodate an additional capacity of 1.3 million passengers per day. The project will also facilitate integration with other transportation modes, including suburban rail services and inter/intra-city bus terminals at 21 locations, along with connecting to the Phase-I network at seven points.
