CMRL appoints Systra to prepare Multi-Modal Integration DPR for Chennai Metro Phase 1 stations

Chennai, India (Rail & Metro Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded a ₹2.83 crore consultancy contract to SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) Pvt Ltd. for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for multi-modal integration around 41 Phase-I metro stations. The assignment will focus on improving connectivity and passenger interchange within a 500-metre radius of each identified station.

The consultancy contract, valued at ₹2,82,90,000, is aimed at creating a structured planning framework for integrating Chennai Metro stations with other modes of urban transportation. The initiative focuses on the immediate areas around stations, where passengers begin or complete their metro journeys and transfer between different modes.

DPR to Cover 41 Phase-I Stations

Under the assignment, SYSTRA MVA Consulting will prepare the DPR covering all 41 Phase-I stations of Chennai Metro. The study will examine the requirements for multi-modal integration within 500 metres of each station and develop an appropriate framework for improving access and connectivity.

The 500-metre radius represents the critical station influence area where integration with other transport modes can directly influence the passenger experience. The consultancy will therefore focus on understanding the integration requirements around individual stations and establishing measures that can strengthen connections between the metro network and the wider urban transport system.

The resulting DPR is expected to provide CMRL with a comprehensive basis for planning multi-modal integration interventions across the identified station areas.

Focus on Seamless Passenger Connectivity

As Chennai’s metro network expands, improving connectivity beyond the station itself is becoming increasingly important. Metro passengers typically depend on a combination of transport modes to reach their final destinations, making efficient interchange and convenient station access essential to increasing public transport usage.

The consultancy will bring these station-area requirements together under a single DPR exercise covering 41 Phase-I stations. A station-level approach can help identify the specific integration requirements of different locations while establishing a coordinated planning framework for the overall network.

According to Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, effective multi-modal integration is critical for ensuring that metro systems function as part of a larger urban mobility network.

“The success of a metro system is determined not only by the quality of its trains and stations but also by how easily passengers can access and leave the system. A focused 500-metre station-area integration plan across 41 stations can help address the crucial first- and last-mile connectivity gaps and create a more seamless public transport experience for Chennai.”

Strengthening Station-Area Integration

The DPR assignment represents a dedicated planning effort by CMRL to examine connectivity around its Phase-I stations. By concentrating on the areas immediately surrounding the stations, the exercise can help establish a clearer understanding of passenger access and interchange requirements.

Multi-modal integration can play an important role in connecting metro services with other public and intermediate transport options, while also improving the overall accessibility of stations. Better integration around station areas can potentially make metro travel more convenient and encourage greater use of public transportation.

For CMRL, the exercise also comes at a time when Chennai is developing a larger metro network through its ongoing expansion programmes. Creating integrated station areas around the existing Phase-I network can provide a stronger foundation for the wider urban mobility system.

₹2.83 Crore Consultancy Assignment

The ₹2.83 crore contract awarded to SYSTRA MVA Consulting covers the preparation of the DPR for multi-modal integration across the 41 Phase-I stations. The assignment brings the planning requirements of the individual station areas together within a comprehensive consultancy exercise.

Once completed, the DPR is expected to provide CMRL with a structured basis for assessing and planning multi-modal integration measures within the 500-metre influence areas of the identified stations.

The initiative highlights the growing importance of station-area planning, first- and last-mile connectivity and seamless interchange in the development of modern metro systems. As Chennai Metro continues to expand, integrating stations with the broader urban transport network will remain an important component of building an efficient, accessible and passenger-centric mobility system.