Tamil Nadu Govt Approves Chennai Metro’s ₹9,335 Crore Airport–Kilambakkam Corridor

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major step towards enhancing suburban connectivity, the Tamil Nadu government has granted approval to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to initiate land acquisition and preparatory work for the long-awaited 15.46 km Airport–Kilambakkam elevated metro corridor.

An order issued by the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department on September 3 authorized CMRL to begin land acquisition, utility shifting, geotechnical investigations, and other pre-construction activities. The decision comes even as the state awaits final project approval from the Central Government. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been submitted, and the Comprehensive Mobility Plan is expected to follow shortly.

The ₹9,335 crore project will connect the Chennai Airport with Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, passing through key localities including Pallavaram, Chromepet, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Perungalathur, Vandalur, and Anna Zoological Park. The corridor is expected to significantly ease commuting in South Chennai and provide seamless integration with the city’s growing metro and bus networks.

List of proposed stations on Airport–Kilambakkam Metro Corridor are as under:-

• Chennai Airport
• Meenambakkam
• Pallavaram
• Kothandam Nagar
• Chromepet
• Mahalakshmi Colony
• Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar
• Tambaram
• Irumbuliyur
• Peerkankaranai
• Perungalathur
• Vandalur
• Anna Zoological Park
• Kilambakkam Bus Terminus

To fast-track implementation, the state has sanctioned ₹1,964 crore towards land acquisition and related preparatory works. The amount will be treated as subordinate debt, the order stated.

• ₹1,816 crore has been earmarked exclusively for land acquisition

• ₹112.5 crore will be utilised for utility shifting, roadwork, barricading, tree cutting and replanting, traffic management, topographic surveys, and geotechnical investigations

This proactive funding move is intended to ensure that construction can begin immediately after central clearance, without bureaucratic delays.

According to CMRL officials, the project’s elevated alignment along GST Road makes it relatively easier and quicker to execute, as it avoids underground tunneling and major land disruptions. The corridor is part of CMRL’s larger Phase 2 expansion and is expected to play a pivotal role in connecting southern suburban clusters with the city’s airport and core metro grid.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, lauded the announcement:
“The Airport–Kilambakkam corridor is not just a metro extension—it’s a vital urban connector. The State Government’s decision to begin land acquisition ahead of central approval reflects strategic foresight and commitment to commuter-first infrastructure.”

Once operational, the corridor will offer direct metro connectivity to the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, a key intercity hub being developed to decongest Koyambedu. It is also expected to relieve road congestion along the bustling GST corridor and support transit-oriented development in the southern periphery of the city.

With preparatory work now underway and funding allocated, the project is poised to move into execution mode swiftly once central approval is secured.