Chennai Metro to prioritize Airport-Kilambakkam and Poonamallee-Parandur Metro Lines

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to prioritize the development of two crucial metro projects – the Airport-Kilambakkam Metro Rail and Poonamallee-Parandur Metro Rail – in the coming months. Both projects aim to address traffic congestion in South Chennai and improve connectivity to key infrastructure, including the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus and the proposed Second Airport at Parandur.

The 15.3-kilometer Airport-Kilambakkam Metro Rail project, initially proposed two years ago, faced delays due to a redesign requested by authorities earlier this year. CMRL had submitted the original detailed project report (DPR) in 2022, but officials instructed them to revise the design to ensure the integration of common pillars between the planned viaduct and an elevated corridor. This change comes as part of ongoing discussions to better utilize available space and optimize the construction of multiple transport infrastructure projects in the area.

The elevated corridor, to be built by the State Highways Department, will connect the Airport to Tambaram. The current proposal suggests the metro viaduct will operate on the second level, with the elevated corridor running below it. CMRL is working with the Highways Department and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to finalize these aspects of the project. Once these consultations are complete, CMRL will submit the final DPR to the State government for approval.

“We have had several high-level meetings regarding metro rail projects in Tamil Nadu. Authorities from both the Centre and State have recognized the traffic congestion issues in South Chennai and the importance of improving access to the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. The inclusion of a mass rapid transit system, like the Airport-Kilambakkam metro, is seen as essential for the area’s future growth,” a CMRL official said.

The 43.63-kilometer Poonamallee-Parandur Metro Rail project will also require coordination between CMRL, the Highways Department, and NHAI. The NHAI is constructing an elevated corridor between Poonamallee and Sriperumbudur, which will need to be integrated with CMRL’s metro designs. This coordination ensures that the metro network and the highway infrastructure align seamlessly, providing enhanced connectivity for commuters in this rapidly developing corridor.

Both the Airport-Kilambakkam and Poonamallee-Parandur metro projects are pivotal to enhancing public transport infrastructure in Chennai and the surrounding regions. The Airport-Kilambakkam metro line will improve access to Chennai International Airport and the upcoming Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, while the Poonamallee-Parandur line will serve as a vital link to the proposed second airport at Parandur, addressing the long-term transportation needs of the area.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of these projects in light of the growing need for a modern, efficient transport system in Chennai. With increasing passenger traffic expected, the metro system will help alleviate congestion, reduce travel time, and improve overall accessibility.

In addition to the new projects, CMRL has made significant progress on its Phase 2 expansion of the metro network. The agency has recently completed 100% of piling works for Corridor 4 (ECV 01) between Kodambakkam Powerhouse and Porur Junction Station. This critical milestone covers an 8-kilometer stretch, including both single-decker and double-decker stations, requiring a total of 2,255 piles. Pile foundations are crucial for ensuring structural integrity, particularly in dense urban areas where underground utilities and other infrastructure must be carefully avoided.

Despite challenges such as the diversion of 24.45 kilometers of utilities and the redesign of pile layouts to protect critical infrastructure like a 1,200mm water line, the CMRL project team and contractors successfully completed the necessary diversions without interrupting vital services. The team also managed to reroute a 1,500mm water line with minimal disruption, demonstrating the project's ability to balance infrastructure development with the needs of the community.

As CMRL moves forward with the detailed project reports for the Airport-Kilambakkam and Poonamallee-Parandur projects, the agency is focused on ensuring seamless coordination with key stakeholders, including the Highways Department and NHAI. Once the reports are finalized and submitted to the State government, CMRL will be one step closer to breaking ground on these crucial metro corridors, which are expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and transform public transportation in Chennai.