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The Tamil Nadu government has given the green light for preparatory activities on the 21.76-km Koyambedu-Avadi-Pattabiram corridor of the Chennai Metro Rail project. This approval allows Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to initiate key tasks such as land acquisition and utility relocation. However, the project is still pending clearance from the Union government.
A detailed proposal was submitted by the State in May, but the project requires the preparation of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for further assessment.
According to an official order issued on August 18, the State's Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Department has authorized CMRL to commence preliminary work on this corridor, which will run from Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi along the Outer Ring Road. The project is estimated to cost ₹9,928.33 crore, with ₹2,442 crore earmarked for the first phase.
Funding and Initial Activities
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to extend ₹2,442 crore to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) as a subordinate loan to kick-start initial activities of the project. This phase will involve essential groundwork such as topographical surveys, geotechnical studies, tree removal and replanting, traffic management, and utility shifting, with an estimated cost of ₹188 crore. A major portion of the funds will go towards land acquisition.
The proposed Koyambedu-Avadi-Pattabiram metro corridor will be fully elevated and include 19 stations. Some of the key locations set to host stations are Padi Pudhu Nagar, Golden Flat Junction, Ambattur Estate, Ambattur Station, Ambattur OT, Thirumullaivoyal, Avadi Railway Station, Pattabiram, and Outer Ring Road.
Concerns from Local Residents
Residents of Avadi are urging the Tamil Nadu government to fast-track the submission of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) to the Centre. According to T. Sadagopan from Avadi, early execution of the project would greatly benefit thousands of daily commuters traveling between central Chennai and the areas of Avadi, Ambattur, and Pattabiram. He also pointed out that several key Central government institutions are situated in these localities.
The local community remains hopeful that the Union government will grant approval soon, given the project's significant role in enhancing connectivity across crucial parts of Chennai.
