Chennai Metro Expansion to Enhance Connectivity with New Corridors & Transit Hubs.

Chennai’s metro network is set for a major expansion, introducing new corridors and transit hubs to enhance urban mobility. The proposed plan includes key routes such as Lighthouse to Medavakkam and a 21 km corridor linking Tambaram with Velachery via Guindy and Phoenix Mall, aiming to improve connectivity across the city.

The state budget, presented on Friday, is expected to approve additional metro corridors, including Airport-Kilambakkam, Poonamallee-Sunguvarchathiram, and Koyambedu-Avadi. Additionally, a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) will link Chennai with Villupuram and Vellore, with stops every 10-15 km, providing a faster alternative to suburban rail.

Transportation experts believe these projects could be transformative for commuters in Arakkonam, Kancheepuram, and Avadi, offering faster and more reliable transit options. However, concerns remain over affordability, with some arguing that increased investment in public buses could provide a more cost-effective solution for daily commuters.

The government has also increased funding for state transport corporations, allocating ₹2,646 crore to well-performing units and ₹650 crore for operational support to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), alongside subsidies for student concessions and free travel for women.

ET