Metro Rail Phase I extension gathers steam.

Chennai Metro Rail will soon start the construction of underground stations as part of the Phase I extension project that runs from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar.

According to sources in Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), IL&FS has joined hands with a Ukrainian company, PJSC Kyivmetrobud, and will be engaged in building the underground stations at Sir Thygaraya College and Korukkupet.

“We have finalised the work and the contract will be awarded shortly. We hope to complete the work in about 18 months. The work is estimated to cost about ₹370 crore,” an official said.

The underground tunnelling work will be carried out by Afcons Infrastructure Limited from Washermanpet to Korukkupet, officials said. The 9-km phase I extension project from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar is being executed at a cost of ₹3,770 crore. The stretch runs underground from Washermanpet to Korukkupet and then becomes an elevated corridor and extends to Wimco Nagar.

“The plan is to finish the underground work first to avoid delay,” an official said. Though the idea of extending Metro Rail to the northern parts of the city was mooted several years ago, it took time to get all the clearances required. After the soil tests were completed, the State government gave the approval in 2010. But it was only a few months ago that the Centre gave the nod for the extension project.

The first service of Metro Rail from Koyambedu to Alandur was opened in June 2015. A year later, the second stretch from Little Mount to the airport was thrown open to the public. Work is on to start the first underground stretch from Thirumangalam to Nehru Park.

THE HINDU