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.

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Resources

16 Sep 2025

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Real Estate

16 Sep 2025

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..