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Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is bringing a big change to how people travel in the city. As part of its Phase II project, CMRL is planning to add shopping and dining spaces inside metro stations across a 118.9-kilometre network. With 128 stations planned along three main corridors, the idea is to make metro travel more fun, comfortable, and lively for everyone.
A Better Travel Experience
These commercial spaces will allow passengers to enjoy food, coffee, or shop while waiting for their trains or after their rides. This move is not only for convenience but also to make stations more active and safe. An official from CMRL mentioned that similar setups in cities like Hong Kong and China have helped increase metro use and bring in more income from sources other than tickets. The goal is to attract more people to use the Chennai Metro regularly.
Retail and Food Outlets at Selected Stations
CMRL has selected 35 stations for retail development. These stations will include stores, food outlets, and cafes. In Corridor 3, there will be retail spaces at 22 stations, including Madhavaram High Road and Sembiyam. In Corridor 4 and Corridor 5, commercial spaces will be added at Boat Club and Velmurugan Nagar stations, giving travelers more choices during their journey.
Commercial Units on Elevated Stations
Another smart idea in the plan is to build commercial units above the entry and exit points of elevated stations, especially along the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road). Stations like Nehru Nagar and Sholinganallur Lake will have commercial spaces of about 750 square meters. These will be used for offices and other businesses. This not only makes good use of vertical space but also supports the financial growth of the metro system.
Large Integrated Complexes
To make the travel experience even better, CMRL is also working on large integrated complexes at stations such as Thirumangalam and Nandanam. Consultants are being brought in to design these spaces in a way that combines travel, shopping, and business under one roof. These plans are currently in the detailed project report stage.
Chennai Metro's Phase II is more than just expanding metro lines-it's about creating a better experience for all passengers. With shopping, food, and offices included in stations, the metro will become a place for both travel and daily needs. This forward-thinking plan will help more people choose public transport while enjoying added comfort and convenience.
