Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal reviewed the progress of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project, valued at Rs 632.46 billion, which was recently approved by the central government. Following the meeting, CM Stalin informed reporters that the state government had requested the Union Minister to release central funds for this phase of the project. Stalin indicated that work on the Phase 2 project, spanning 118.9 kilometres across three corridors, is advancing rapidly, with Rs 192.29 billion already expended. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the central government for approving Phase 2 as a central sector project following his request. The Chief Minister assured that his government is making every effort to meet the project’s completion deadline. According to Chennai Metro Rail, Phase 2 is expected to be finalised by the end of 2026. An official release noted that the Union Minister was also urged to prioritise proposals for the Chennai airport–Kilambakkam line and the implementation of Metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai. Kilambakkam, located on Chennai’s outskirts, hosts a recently inaugurated bus terminus with a capacity of over 2,000 buses, opened last year by CM Stalin. On 3 October 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 as a 'Central Sector' project, committing the central government to fund nearly 65% of the estimated cost. This includes a loan of Rs 335.93 billion, along with equity and subordinate debt of Rs 74.25 billion, while the remaining 35% of the cost will be financed by the state government. In a post on social media platform X, CM Stalin shared that he had met with Manohar Lal to discuss the progress of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II project, conveying his appreciation to the Union Government for approving the 118.9 km expansion. He also highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the project and sought central support for funding Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai. Currently, Chennai Metro’s Phase 1 covers two corridors spanning 54.1 kilometres, serving an average of over 310,000 passengers daily. Once Phase 2 is operational, Chennai’s metro system will extend to approximately 172 kilometres, connecting multiple areas. The review meeting included the presence of Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, Additional Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, D Thara, and other senior officials.