Delay in Centre's Clearance Forces TN to Allocate ₹9,000 Crore for Chennai Metro This Year

The prolonged delay in obtaining approval from the Government of India for the Chennai Metro Rail project has compelled Tamil Nadu to cover the entire project expenditure thus far using its own budgetary resources. State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu made this revelation while delivering the Budget speech for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Despite the setback, the State government remains committed to the development of metro rail infrastructure in Chennai. A significant allocation of ₹12,000 crore has been earmarked for the second phase of the project. Plans are underway to extend the metro network to Kilambakkam, where a new bus terminus has been established, and Parandur, the site proposed for a greenfield airport. Detailed project reports (DPRs) are currently being prepared to introduce metro services in other cities.

The expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail, which currently serves 3 lakh commuters daily, is a key focus in its second phase. The project entails the development of three new routes spanning a total distance of 119 km, with an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore. The inauguration of the first elevated stretch, connecting Poonamallee to Kodambakkam, is scheduled for December 2025.

Furthermore, a DPR outlining the extension of the metro rail route from Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam's Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus, at a cost of ₹4,625 crore, has been prepared and is pending approval from the Central government. Chennai Metro Rail Ltd, a joint venture between the Central and State governments, is spearheading these efforts.

Additionally, plans are in motion for the development of a 27-storied building near Chennai Central Railway Station, featuring heritage design and spanning approximately 10 lakh sq ft. This project, estimated at ₹688 crore, will serve as a hub for public sector offices, commercial enterprises, and IT companies through a special purpose vehicle established by a joint venture between Chennai Metro Rail Ltd and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).

Other infrastructural developments include the construction of a multi-modal bus terminus and office complex near the current Broadway bus terminus and Kuralagam building, costing ₹823 crore, with the government allocating ₹200 crore for the same. Additionally, modernization plans for bus terminuses and depots in Anna Nagar (West), Kalaignar Karunandhi Nagar, and Mandaveli are in progress, alongside the preparation of DPRs for the same.

Looking beyond Chennai, DPRs have been submitted to the Union government for the approval of metro rail projects along Avinashi and Sathyamangalam road in Coimbatore, costing ₹10,740 crore, and a metro rail in Madurai connecting Thirumangalam and Othakkadai, with an estimated cost of ₹11,368 crore.

HBL