Chennai Metro invites bids to prepare detailed project reports for two new corridors

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to embark on preparing detailed project reports for two crucial corridors, as announced in this year's State budget. The proposed corridors aim to connect key areas, with one linking Poonamallee to Parandur and the other connecting Koyambedu with Avadi.

The demand for enhanced metro connectivity has long been voiced by commuters in regions like Mogappair and Avadi. Consequently, the plan to establish a metro link from Koyambedu to Avadi, passing through Thirumangalam and Mogappair, gained traction. Additionally, the State's proposal to construct a second airport at Parandur underscored the need for an efficient mass rapid transport system.

CMRL recently conducted detailed feasibility reports for both corridors—Poonamallee to Parandur and Koyambedu to Avadi via Mogappair—and has submitted them to the State government. The next crucial step involves the preparation of comprehensive detailed project reports for these corridors.

The detailed project report will encompass various crucial aspects, including projected traffic at each station, planned train operations, frequency, the required number of trains, signaling and overhead equipment needs, detailed cost estimates, and environmental and social impact assessments. The entire process is anticipated to take approximately 6-8 months before the finalized reports are submitted to the State government.

The Koyambedu to Avadi corridor, an extension of the phase II corridor from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, is slated to feature 15 stations. This elevated line will cover a distance of 16.07 km and incur an estimated cost of ₹6,376.18 crore. Meanwhile, the Poonamallee to Parandur corridor, spanning 43.63 km with 19 stations, is projected to be constructed at a cost of ₹10,712 crore. The initiation of these detailed project reports marks a crucial step toward enhancing metro infrastructure and addressing the long-standing demand for improved mobility in key regions.