Chennai Metro Extension Projects: CMRL is Planning to Include the Proposed Phase I Extension Routes

While work on Chennai Metro Phase II is underway, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is planning to include the proposed Phase I extension routes in the city's Phase III Metro network. Three major extension projects that are currently awaiting approval from the Central government are likely to be added

to Phase III. These include the Airport-Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, Koyambedu-Pattabiram via Avadi, and Poonamallee-Sunguvarchatram Metro corridors.

Chennai Metro Projects to Get Approval from the Centre

The Tamil Nadu government is waiting for approval from the Centre for these three projects. According to officials, the approval is expected in the coming months. Apart from these routes, other planned extensions, including Tambaram-Guindy via Velachery and Light House-High Court corridors, may also become part of the Phase III network.

Officials are also exploring additional Metro lines to improve connectivity in northern Chennai. These projects could begin after the state government examines a feasibility report and makes a formal announcement.

Another proposal under Phase III focuses on upgrading the existing Phase I network. This includes purchasing 28 new six-coach Metro trains and improving Phase I stations to manage increasing passenger numbers. However, officials have not clarified why these upgrades are being included under the Phase III project.

Residents in Chennai's suburban areas are eagerly awaiting the three extension projects. The 15.46-km Airport-Kilambakkam Metro corridor is estimated to cost ₹9,335 crore. The 21.76-km Koyambedu-Avadi-Pattabiram route is expected to require ₹9,744 crore, while the 27.9-km Poonamallee-Sunguvarchatram corridor has an estimated cost of ₹8,779 crore.

How will these Metro Projects Benefit Commuters?

Dayanand Krishnan, a resident of Chitlapakkam, said commuters have been waiting for Metro connectivity between the Airport and Kilambakkam for years. He highlighted that thousands of daily passengers travelling from Kilambakkam Bus Terminus face traffic congestion and long travel times. He also mentioned that the Koyambedu-Avadi-Pattabiram route currently has limited bus services. According to him, these Metro extensions will greatly improve travel convenience for lakhs of people, and the Centre should approve the projects at the earliest.