Consultancy chosen for Parandur Airport Metro Line DPR
An official mentioned that it was stated in the DPR that comprehensive details about the line would be included, encompassing its length, type of corridor, number and location of stations, type and number of trains, total cost, first and last-mile connectivity, and total ridership. The cost, which had been estimated at Rs 107.12 billion earlier, would be outlined. It was further explained by an official that the DPR contract had a six-month deadline. The line, an extension of the 26.1 km Lighthouse-Poonamallee Bypass corridor-4 of phase-2, was anticipated to open partially before the conclusion of 2025.
During the feasibility study stage, it was revealed that the planned stations were Poonamallee, Nazarathpet Police Checkpost, Chembarambakkam, Thirumazhisai township, Pappanchathiram, Chettipedu, Thandalam, Sipcot Irungattukottai, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Irungulam Industrial Area, Mambakkam, Thirumangalam, Sunguvarchatram, Santhavelur, Pillai Chattiram, Neervalur, and Parandur airport. A map released by Tidco indicated that Parandur might have one metro station on the city side of the airport and another outside the passenger terminal.
Previously, metro officials had mentioned that the stations might be farther apart compared to stations in the city, which were 1 km apart. It was also suggested that train speed on the stretch might be increased. Upon the metro rail link to Parandur becoming a reality, it was pointed out that passengers could reach the new airport by metro train without a break. It was also highlighted that they could travel from the existing airport at Meenambakkam to the new airport by switching corridors at Alandur and Alapakkam metro stations. The first phase of the airport, with a domestic terminal, an international terminal, and a runway, was proposed to be completed by 2029. Officials revealed that the government had finalized a tentative design and issued a notice to acquire land.