Tamil Nadu CM and Union Minister Review Progress of Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II Project

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal conducted a review meeting on Saturday regarding the progress of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II project, which has a budget of ₹63,246 crore and was recently approved by the central government. Following the meeting, CM Stalin urged Minister Lal to expedite the release of central funds for the project.

Stalin reported that work on the 118.9 km, three-corridor Phase II project is advancing rapidly, with ₹19,229 crore already spent. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the central government for approving the project as a central sector initiative. “We are making every effort to meet the project deadlines,” he stated.

The Chennai Metro Rail Phase II project is slated for completion by the end of 2026. During the meeting, officials urged the union minister to prioritize proposals related to the Chennai Airport-Kilambakkam line and to consider implementing Metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.

Kilambakkam, located on the outskirts of the city, hosts a bus terminus that can accommodate over 2,000 buses and was inaugurated by CM Stalin last year. On October 3, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the Phase II project as a 'Central sector' initiative, with the central government committing to finance approximately 65% of the estimated cost.

The financing will cover a loan of ₹33,593 crore, along with equity and subordinate debt totaling ₹7,425 crore. The state government will finance the remaining 35% of the project's cost.

In a post on social media platform X, CM Stalin shared, “Had the pleasure of meeting Hon'ble @mlkhattar to discuss the progress of Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II project. Expressed our gratitude to the Union Government for accepting my request and approving the 118.9 km expansion and briefed about our efforts towards its speedy implementation. I also sought the Union Government's support in funding the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects.”

The existing Phase I, which covers 54.1 km across two corridors, serves over 3.1 lakh passengers daily. Once Phase II is operational, the total coverage of the Chennai Metro Rail will extend to approximately 172 km, connecting various parts of the city.

The review meeting also saw the participation of Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, Additional Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs D. Thara, and other senior officials.

ET