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Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) plans to create over 3 million sq. ft. of office and commercial space once the Phase II project is completed in about 3 years. Officials said that among the 128 stations on the 118.9 km Phase II network, at least 25 stations will include major property development.
Commercial Towers to be Built
Large commercial towers will be built at key stations, including Chennai Central, Mandaveli, Thousand Lights, and Thirumangalam. At several other stations, including Perungudi, Sholinganallur, Karapakkam, Thoraipakkam, Madhavaram High Road, Sembiyam, Ayanavaram, Otteri, Perambur Barracks Road, Purasawalkam, Chetpet, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Royapettah, Adyar Depot, and Thirumayilai, CMRL will add extra floors for offices, shops, and other commercial use.
Importance of Infrastructure
An official explained that Phase I taught them the importance of planning such infrastructure during construction itself. Depending on available land around the stations or above entry and exit points, CMRL is setting up multi-storey buildings to house offices, retail stores, and other facilities. The aim is to encourage more people to shift daily activities like work, shopping, and dining to public transport corridors.
A. Shankar of JLL India said Chennai will greatly benefit from this development, with 3 million sq. ft. of office space and 0.25 million sq. ft. of retail space expected to be added in the coming years. Some construction area estimates for corridors 3 and 5 include: Nehru Nagar (40,083 sq.m), Sholinganallur (12,285 sq.m), Thoraipakkam (12,045 sq.m), Perungudi (4,943 sq.m), Karapakkam (4,662 sq.m), and others.
Demand for Office Space
He added that demand for office space in Chennai is rising, and integrating commercial spaces with Metro stations is a smart move, especially with limited land availability. These developments are expected to attract major companies, create new retail zones, and boost growth in areas like OMR and Mount-Poonamallee Road. Shankar said the Phase II project will help create a world-class transit-oriented urban ecosystem across the city.
