CMRL Submits Revised DPR for Airport-Kilambakkam Metro

17 Feb 2025 CW Team

CMRL Managing Director, MA Siddique, presented the 15.46 km metro extension DPR, which features 13 stations, to K Gopal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Special Initiatives Department. The initial DPR was revised following directives from authorities to incorporate an elevated road alongside the metro corridor.

In the revised plan, the metro line will be constructed at Level-2, while the elevated road will be positioned at Level-1, ensuring seamless connectivity to the Kilambakkam bus terminus. Additionally, ramps near Tambaram will link commuters to the Outer Ring Road. The elevated road will directly connect to the Kilambakkam bus stand, with the potential for an extension to Chengalpattu in the future.

The proposed metro extension will pass through key suburban areas such as Pallavaram, Chrompet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur. The alignment will enhance connectivity between major transport hubs, including Kilambakkam bus terminus, Chennai International Airport, and Tambaram railway station, providing commuters with a more efficient transit option.

Larsen & Toubro Infrastructure Engineering conducted a feasibility study for the airport-Kilambakkam metro link in 2019. However, delays in DPR preparation resulted in CMRL submitting the initial report in early 2022. A major hurdle during this process was the state highways department’s plan to build an elevated corridor up to Tambaram, which conflicted with the proposed metro route. After extensive discussions, both agencies reached an agreement on the viaduct's level and the height of the elevated corridor.

During the feasibility study, CMRL evaluated three potential routes: a 16 km stretch along GST Road, a 19 km route extending from GST Road to Tambaram and Mudichur Road, and a 20 km alignment passing through Airport-Cantonment-Pallavaram Bus Stand, GST Road via Hastinapuram and Tambaram West, and Mudichur Road to Kilambakkam. Despite concerns over the GST road alignment’s proximity to the existing suburban rail service (Beach to Tambaram), CMRL chose this route due to its fully elevated design and minimal land acquisition requirements compared to other options.

The submission of the revised DPR marks a key step towards realising the project, which promises to improve public transport infrastructure and connectivity for Chennai's commuters. However, its implementation still depends on approval from the Union government.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has made significant progress towards enhancing urban transportation by submitting a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the metro extension from Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam bus terminus. The updated proposal, which includes the integration of the metro line with an elevated road, is estimated to cost Rs 9,335 crore—an increase of Rs 5,000 crore from the original estimate. CMRL Managing Director, MA Siddique, presented the 15.46 km metro extension DPR, which features 13 stations, to K Gopal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Special Initiatives Department. The initial DPR was revised following directives from authorities to incorporate an elevated road alongside the metro corridor. In the revised plan, the metro line will be constructed at Level-2, while the elevated road will be positioned at Level-1, ensuring seamless connectivity to the Kilambakkam bus terminus. Additionally, ramps near Tambaram will link commuters to the Outer Ring Road. The elevated road will directly connect to the Kilambakkam bus stand, with the potential for an extension to Chengalpattu in the future. The proposed metro extension will pass through key suburban areas such as Pallavaram, Chrompet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur. The alignment will enhance connectivity between major transport hubs, including Kilambakkam bus terminus, Chennai International Airport, and Tambaram railway station, providing commuters with a more efficient transit option. Larsen & Toubro Infrastructure Engineering conducted a feasibility study for the airport-Kilambakkam metro link in 2019. However, delays in DPR preparation resulted in CMRL submitting the initial report in early 2022. A major hurdle during this process was the state highways department’s plan to build an elevated corridor up to Tambaram, which conflicted with the proposed metro route. After extensive discussions, both agencies reached an agreement on the viaduct's level and the height of the elevated corridor. During the feasibility study, CMRL evaluated three potential routes: a 16 km stretch along GST Road, a 19 km route extending from GST Road to Tambaram and Mudichur Road, and a 20 km alignment passing through Airport-Cantonment-Pallavaram Bus Stand, GST Road via Hastinapuram and Tambaram West, and Mudichur Road to Kilambakkam. Despite concerns over the GST road alignment’s proximity to the existing suburban rail service (Beach to Tambaram), CMRL chose this route due to its fully elevated design and minimal land acquisition requirements compared to other options. The submission of the revised DPR marks a key step towards realising the project, which promises to improve public transport infrastructure and connectivity for Chennai's commuters. However, its implementation still depends on approval from the Union government.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Madurai Corporation Proposes Rs 1,400 Million Plan to Save Vaigai River

In a renewed effort to tackle pollution, the Madurai Corporation has submitted Rs 1,400 million proposal to the state government to upgrade the city’s drainage network and prevent untreated sewage from entering the Vaigai River. The proposal follows growing public concern over the river’s deteriorating condition despite previous mitigation efforts. The Vaigai flows for nearly 12 km within Madurai city limits, with sections obstructed by invasive plants, garbage, and untreated sewage. While multiple inlets contribute to contamination, the Panthalkudi canal in Goripalayam has been identifi..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..