Chennai Metro to build 50 km line

The Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) will initally cover the construction of only 50 km as part of Phase-II of the project, which in total covers 108 km. The stretches from Madhavaram to CMBT (15 km) and the other from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (35 km) will be reportedly covered in this construction. The entire project is of 108 km is expected to cost Rs 80,000 crore; as per reports, officials are skeptical about getting the amount for the complete project. The cost of the construction of the two corridors will reportedly be around Rs 40,000 crore. These stretches will be partially underground. The line from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Kolathur Junction will be an elevated stretch, thereafter, it will be underground up to CMBT. The Phase-II CMBT Station will be connected to the existing Phase-I station. The metro rail body has also called for tenders to conduct soil tests between Madhavaram Milk Colony and CMBT and from Taramani Road Junction to Shollinganallur. In the event of the tenders and the clearance from the Central Government, tenders for the actual work could reportedly be floated. The soil tests will cost about Rs 45 lakh, indicate reports.