Multi-storey buildings to come up at two metro stations.

Multi-storey buildings will be constructed at Arumbakkam and Ekkatuthangal Metro Rail Stations respectively to increase revenue as part of property development plans of the Chennai Metro Rail.

At Arumbakkam, four-storey buildings will come up on both sides of the station (each elevated station in the Chennai Metro Rail has two buildings on either side of the road for entry and exit). In Ekkatuthangal, a nine-storey building will come up very close to the station. According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), this plan has been around for more than a year now and the initial work is set to start in a few months from now. “These buildings will be integrated with the stations - one floor will be for shops and the remaining leased out for office space. The idea is not just to generate revenue but make it a sustainable venture by attracting more people to travel by the Metro Rail,” an official said.

In a few months, tenders will be called to construct buildings at both these locations and the buildings will be given on a long lease.

According to sources, the project was delayed as permission from various departments were needed for the work.

If these plans, as Chennai Metro Rail claims, increase the number of commuters, it will benefit the two stations as they usually record comparatively less traffic.

The Chennai Metro Rail has already put up food stalls in stations from Koyambedu to Alandur last year to increase revenue. The officials are considering this plan for the next stretch from Little Mount to the Chennai airport.

THE HINDU