CMRL submits DPR of 15.3-km Airport-Kilambakkam stretch of Chennai Metro

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has completed the detailed project report (DPR) of the new metro link to connect the Chennai International Airport to Kilambakkam via Tambaram, Perungalathur and Vandalur.

The DPR has been now submitted to the Tamilnadu government for review and approval. It is holding high-level talks to take the project forward. Once finalisation, the priority would be to seek funding from various agencies after which the construction work can begin.

According to DPR, the 15.3-km elevated metro line will have 12 stations at Pallavaram, Kothandam Nagar, Chromepet, Mahalakshmi Colony, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Peerkankaranai, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Arignar Anna Zoo and Kilambakkam Bus Terminus.

“This will be an entirely elevated stretch and hence construction will be fairly easier to finish when compared to underground. We are mulling if we should be making some minor changes on the alignment. While the stations will remain the same, slight changes in the route in a few areas are now considered owing to various reasons. But most of the alignment will be on the arterial GST Road either at the centre or veering towards the left,” said sources.

In January 2022, Tamilnadu Chief Minister M K Stalin had announced the 15.3 km km elevated metro line to connect the Chennai International Airport to Kilambakkam. He said that the estimated cost of this line would be around Rs 3,500 crores.

Although the Chennai Metro’s extension line from Chennai International Airport to Kilambakkam will be operated alongside the City's suburban rail network for some distance, a section of experts express doubts that it may become redundant as it would be duplication of a mass transport network.

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