Chennai Metro suspends Siruseri-Kilambakkam extension over low traffic

14 May 2024 CW Team

Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has announced its decision against extending the Metro Rail construction from Siruseri to Kilambakkam bus terminus via Kelambakkam, citing concerns over the project's feasibility. The decision was made following the submission of the Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR) to the government in September 2023, which indicated that the area did not meet the necessary criteria for Metro Rail development.

After reviewing the DFR, the government opted to cease further progress on the proposal, including the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the specified stretch.

A spokesperson from CMRL mentioned that an initial study had revealed that the Peak Hour Peak Direction (PHPD) traffic in the area fell significantly below the required threshold. The standard PHPD level for feasibility is set at 12,000 passengers per hour, but the study found only 5,000 PHPD in the area.

The spokesperson stated, "The inadequate PHPD is attributed to the presence of forested areas and industrial zones, rendering the stretch economically unviable."

Despite initial assessments and a DFR conducted along the 23.5 km route with approximately 12 elevated stations, estimated to cost around Rs 5.45 billion according to a CMRL press release, the project would not be taken up.

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