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Chennai Metro Rail Limited has announced plans to develop about 73 lakh square feet of land across 37 locations along its Phase-II metro corridors. The project aims to use land near metro stations for commercial and public facilities while also generating additional revenue for the metro system.
Development Plan
The development plan is part of a transit-oriented development (TOD) strategy. Under this approach, buildings and public facilities are constructed close to metro stations so that people can easily access public transport. Officials believe this will encourage more commuters to use the metro instead of private vehicles.
Several important locations have been identified for these developments. These include areas such as Boat Club, Kutchery Road, Sholinganallur, Mandaveli, Vadapalani, and Alandur. Many of the planned buildings will either be connected directly to metro stations or built very close to them. This will create commercial hubs around stations and increase passenger footfall.
Proposed Projects
The proposed projects may include office spaces, retail shops, hotels, parking facilities, and last-mile connectivity hubs. Multi-level parking areas and other public amenities are also expected to be part of the plan. These facilities will make commuting easier and provide better services for metro users.
For example, a four-storey building is planned near Kutchery Road that will connect directly to an underground metro station. Another commercial building is proposed near the Boat Club area. Similar projects are being considered at other locations along the metro corridors.
Feasibility & Detailed Project
Officials say the main goal is to generate non-fare revenue, because metro projects are expensive and ticket income alone is usually not enough to cover costs. By developing commercial spaces around stations, the metro authority can earn additional income while improving the surrounding urban areas. Feasibility studies and detailed project reports are currently being prepared. Once approvals are received, the projects may be carried out through competitive bidding or joint ventures with private developers.
Moreover, the initiative is expected to support the expansion of the Chennai metro network while also promoting better urban planning and improved public transport use in the city.
