Chennai Metro’s Phase 2 Approved by Central Government

India’s Central Government’s Cabinet today officially approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of 116.1 km Chennai Metro Phase 2 project with an estimated total completion cost of Rs. 63,246 crore.

This development comes after years of uncertainty over whether the Central Government would indeed fund the project or not. Phase 2’s foundation stone was laid in November 2020 by India’s Home Minister indicating central support, but there were recent rumblings about the Central Government abdicating their role and assistance.

Anyhow, Chennai’s Phase 2 by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) has been well under construction since May 2021. The project includes the construction of 3 new metro lines, with a mix of underground & elevated routes, and 125 stations from an original number of 128.

• Line-3: Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.4 km with 49 stations)
• Line-4: Light House to Poonamalle Bypass (26.1 km with 28 stations)
• Line-5: Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (44.6 km with 48 stations)

Phase 2 will provide multi-modal integration at 21 stations. A detailed list of all 125 stations can be viewed here.

Phase 2’s Funding Plan

• Government of India – Equity: Rs. 5407.40 crore
• GoI – Subordinate Debt: 2017.50 crore
• Government of Tamil Nadu – Equity: Rs. 5407.40 crore
• GoTN – Subordinate Debt: 2017.50 crore
• Loan from Multilateral/Bilateral agencies: 33,593.50 crore
• Subordinate Debt of GoTN for land, R&R, State Taxes: Rs. 13,339.40 crore
• IDC for Loan and Front-end Fee by GoTN: 1403.70 crore

After the completion of Chennai Metro’s Phase 2, which I estimate will happen in 2029, Chennai will have a 170.2 km metro network with 5 lines.

The government’s PIB release contains some generic information which makes for good bedtime reading. Here’s a verbatim extract:

Enhanced Connectivity: Phase-II will add approximately 118.9 Km of new metro lines. The Corridors of Phase-II connects North to South and East to the West of Chennai passing through the major influence areas at Madhavaram, Perambur, Thirumayilai, Adyar, Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Porur, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, St. Thomas Mount connecting large number of industrial, commercial, residential and institutional establishments and also provides effective Public Transport for the work force engaged in these clusters and connectivity to various parts of the city. It will extend connectivity to rapidly growing areas like Sholinganallur, which serves as a hub for the south Chennai IT corridor. By connecting Sholinganallur via ELCOT, the metro corridor will cater to the transportation needs of the burgeoning IT workforce.

Reduction in Traffic Congestion: Metro Rail as an efficient alternate road transport and with Phase-II as an extension to the Metro Rail network in the Chennai city is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the city. Reduction in road traffic can lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, increasing overall road safety etc.

Environmental Benefits: With the addition of Phase-II Metro Rail Project and increase in overall Metro Rail Network in Chennai city, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport.

Economic Growth: Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces more efficiently. The construction and operation of Phase-II will generate numerous jobs in various sectors, from construction workers to administrative staff and maintenance personnel. Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions.

Social Impact: The expansion of Phase-II Metro Rail network in Chennai will provide more equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities which will contribute to a higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to essential services.

CMRL in 2023 completed awarding all civil contracts for Phase 2’s construction. This includes 7 for Line-3’s main-line, 4 for Line-4’s main-line and 5 for Line-5’s main-line. A list of all Chennai Metro Phase 2 civil & system packages and their status can be viewed here.

Alstom Transport last month rolled out their 1st of 36 train-set for Line-4 at their Sri City, Andhra Pradesh facility – see details and pics here.

For more updates, check out the Chennai section or my Home Page! Sign up for free instant email notifications on new posts over here. Like this post? Get early-access to updates and support the site over here.

– TMRG