Funding Hurdles Delay Airport-Kilambakkam Project

05 Oct 2023 CW Team

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) had submitted a detailed project report for extending the metro line from Chennai airport to Kilambakkam last year. This proposed extension covers a distance of approximately 15.3 km and includes stops at key locations such as Pallavaram, Kothandam Nagar, Chromepet, Mahalakshmi Colony, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Peerkankaranai, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Arignar Anna Zoo, and Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. The estimated cost for this extension was projected at Rs 40.80 billion.

While the Phase 2 project was duly submitted to the central government for approval and funding, CMRL has not received any response or commitment of funds to date. It's worth noting that the State government has been the primary source of funding for the Phase 2 project thus far.

Given the financial constraints faced by the State government and the extensive commitments associated with Phase 2, securing additional funds for the Airport-Kilambakkam project has become a complex and challenging task. As a result, the project has been temporarily put on hold, with no immediate plans for its initiation.

It's important to consider that even if the project were to receive approval and funding, there would be additional challenges related to land acquisition and construction. These factors could further extend the timeline for completing the project, potentially spanning several years from initiation to completion.

In conclusion, while the Airport-Kilambakkam project remains a viable and valuable addition to Chennai's metro network, it currently faces significant delays and uncertainties due to financial limitations and the broader commitments associated with Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 2 project.

The proposed Airport-Kilambakkam project for Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 2 is facing significant delays, primarily due to a lack of funding. The State government has been actively funding the Phase 2 project of Chennai Metro Rail, which is a substantial undertaking with an estimated cost of Rs 618.43 billion. As a result, allocating additional funds for the Airport-Kilambakkam project has become a challenging proposition. Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) had submitted a detailed project report for extending the metro line from Chennai airport to Kilambakkam last year. This proposed extension covers a distance of approximately 15.3 km and includes stops at key locations such as Pallavaram, Kothandam Nagar, Chromepet, Mahalakshmi Colony, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Peerkankaranai, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Arignar Anna Zoo, and Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. The estimated cost for this extension was projected at Rs 40.80 billion. While the Phase 2 project was duly submitted to the central government for approval and funding, CMRL has not received any response or commitment of funds to date. It's worth noting that the State government has been the primary source of funding for the Phase 2 project thus far. Given the financial constraints faced by the State government and the extensive commitments associated with Phase 2, securing additional funds for the Airport-Kilambakkam project has become a complex and challenging task. As a result, the project has been temporarily put on hold, with no immediate plans for its initiation. It's important to consider that even if the project were to receive approval and funding, there would be additional challenges related to land acquisition and construction. These factors could further extend the timeline for completing the project, potentially spanning several years from initiation to completion. In conclusion, while the Airport-Kilambakkam project remains a viable and valuable addition to Chennai's metro network, it currently faces significant delays and uncertainties due to financial limitations and the broader commitments associated with Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 2 project.