CMRL saves Rs. 12 billion by scraping nine stations in phase 2

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has made the decision to cancel the construction of nine stations in Phase 2, resulting in potential savings of Rs. 12 billion. The reasons behind this move include the stations being too close to each other and a change in alignment. Despite this change, the revised plan ensures that there will be a station approximately every one kilometer along the corridors, ensuring convenient access for passengers.

As per the updated Phase 2 route map, CMRL has removed Thapalpetti, Doveton Junction, and St. Joseph College from corridor-3; Foreshore Estate, Natesan Park, and Meenakshi College from corridor-4; and Kaliamman Koil, Porur Junction, and Medavakkam Junction from corridor-5. In place of the CMBT station, an elevated station at Koyambedu has been added, which will be connected to the existing Phase 1 station. Madhavaram Milk Colony, the originating station for both corridor-3 and 5, will be considered as one station.

This adjustment marginally reduces the total distance covered in Phase 2 from 118.9 km to 118.1 km, and the number of stations decreases from 127 to 118. The total number of locations served in the phase decreases from 120 to 112. Phase 2, initially estimated at Rs. 618.43 billion, is expected to be completed by 2026.

According to a CMRL official, the relocation of some stations by 100m to 200m was necessary due to land acquisition issues while maintaining the standard one-kilometer distance between stations. This ensures that commuters will not face excessive walking distances to access the stations. The official also confirmed that all the planned localities and areas will still be served by the revised station layout.

The realignment and removal of the Thapalpetti station have reduced the overall distance of Phase 2 by 0.8 km. Porur Junction, previously included as an interchange station between corridors 4 and 5, will now only be part of corridor 4. Passengers wishing to switch between corridors in the double- decker stretch may need to transfer at Alapakkam.