No funds from Centre for Phase 2 of Metro

05 Oct 2023 CW Team

In light of financial constraints plaguing the Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 2 project, sources have indicated that the proposed Airport - Kilambakkam expansion is unlikely to proceed at this time. The project, which had garnered attention for its potential to enhance connectivity, has been temporarily halted due to a lack of funding, with plans for its eventual resumption in the future.

Sources familiar with the situation have cited the State government's existing commitment to funding the Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 2 project as a primary reason for the delay in taking up the Airport - Kilambakkam project. With the financial resources already allocated to the ongoing Phase 2 endeavor, investment in the new expansion has become challenging.

While Chennai Metro Rail's Phase 1 and its Phase 1 extension have successfully covered 54 kilometers of the city and have been operational for several years, Phase 2, spanning an extensive 116 kilometers, is currently under construction with an estimated cost of 761,843 crore.

Last year, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) submitted a detailed project report outlining the extension of the metro line from Chennai airport to Kilambakkam to the State government. This proposed 15.3-kilometer extension would pass through various key locations, including Pallavaram, Kothandam Nagar, Chromepet, Mahalakshmi Colony, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Peerkankaranai, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Arignar Anna Zoo, and Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, with an estimated cost of $4,080 crore.

While the financial challenges persist, the fate of the Airport - Kilambakkam project remains uncertain, pending potential future funding and developments.

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