Chennai Metro scraps plans to build 9 stations

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has scrapped plans to build nine stations in phase 2, in a move that could save the project Rs 1,200 crore. The reasons for the scrapping include too short a distance between stations and change of alignment. Phase 2 will now have 118 stations. The nine stations that have been scrapped are: Thapalpetti on corridor-3 Doveton Junction and St Joseph College on corridor-4 Kaliamman Koil, Porur Junction and Medavakkam Junction on corridor-5 Instead of CMBT station, an elevated station at Koyambedu has been added and will be linked to the existing phase-1 station. Madhavaram Milk Colony, the originating station for corridor-3 and 5, will also be considered one station. The scrapping of these stations will marginally bring down the total distance covered in phase-2 from 118.9km to 118.1km and the total number of stations from 127 to 118. The total number of locations linked in the phase dips to 112 from 120. Phase-2 was planned at an estimated Rs 61,843 crore. The deadline for the project is 2026. A CMRL official said that the decision to scrap the nine stations was taken after careful consideration. In a few places, we have shifted location of stations by 100m to 200m, plus or minus the one-kilometre distance we usually maintain between stations, due to issues in acquiring land. Commuters will not have a long distance to walk to access the stations. We have also covered all the localities or areas we had planned in the initial stage, the official said. The official added that the overall distance of phase-2 reduces by 0.8km due to alignment change after removal of Thapalpetti station and minor changes made at a turn near Sholinganallur station. Porur junction was part of five interchange stations on the double-decker elevated line linking corridors 4 and 5. Officials said the station has been retained on corridor 4 and removed on corridor 5 due to a change in alignment. Passengers wanting to shift corridors in the double-decker stretch may have to switch at Alapakkam. The scrapping of these nine stations is a positive development for the Chennai Metro project. It will save the project Rs 1,200 crore and will also reduce the overall distance of the project by 0.8km. This will help the project to be completed on time and within budget.5. AICTSL to change design to set up 600 new bus stops in Indore