The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 19.64 billion for preparatory works for the extension of Metro Rail from Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam. According to a circular from the Department of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the funds will be utilised for land acquisition and utility diversion, among other key activities.

Of the sanctioned amount, Rs 18.16 billion has been earmarked for land acquisition, while Rs 1.12 billion will be spent on road works, topographic surveys, geotechnical investigation, barricading, tree cutting and replantation, signage, environmental protection, and traffic management. The amount has been sanctioned as subordinate debt to Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL).

The 15.46 km Metro Rail extension from the airport to the upcoming Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in Kilambakkam is part of the Phase 1 expansion. In August 2024, CMRL finalised a two-deck design to reduce costs and structural height.

The proposed extension is being planned with the anticipation of Centre’s approval for its share of funding. However, in response to an RTI petition filed by GIS expert and transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stated in August that the detailed project report (DPR) was still under preliminary examination, with no meetings held yet on the matter.

In a related move, the State government had earlier sanctioned Rs 24.42 billion to CMRL in August 2024 for preparatory works on the 21.76 km Koyambedu–Pattabiram Metro corridor.

Officials said the latest sanction is a crucial step in easing traffic congestion in southern Chennai and improving connectivity to Kilambakkam.

News source: DT Next