Chennai Metro Plans to Include Velachery Route in Proposed Phase-III Network
Chennai Metro Rail is planning to consolidate several proposed transit extension routes, including the planned line from Tambaram to Guindy via Velachery, into its upcoming Phase-III network. This consolidation plan aims to streamline the future implementation of major transit corridors and capacity enhancement projects across Chennai, with clearance from the Central government expected within a few months.
Under this new proposal, Chennai Metro Rail will group its proposed Phase-I extension stretches and key station upgrades under the Phase-III development umbrella. Among the routes slated for inclusion is the corridor connecting Tambaram to Guindy via Velachery, alongside another route linking Light House to the High Court.
The Tamil Nadu government is currently awaiting approval from the Central government for three other crucial extension stretches: Airport to Kilambakkam bus terminus, Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi, and Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram. Sources indicate that clearance for these three lines is highly likely to be granted within a few months, after which they are expected to be classified under the Phase-III project.
In addition to the new routes, Chennai Metro Rail plans to incorporate capacity enhancement projects into Phase-III. According to a source, these enhancements include the procurement of 28 six-coach trains and the physical upgradation of existing Phase-I stations.
The proposed extensions represent significant infrastructure investments for the metropolitan area. The 15.46-kilometer Airport-Kilambakkam stretch is estimated to cost ₹9,335 crore. The 21.76-kilometer route from Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi is projected at ₹9,744 crore, while the 27.9-kilometer stretch from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram is estimated to cost ₹8,779 crore.
Commuters in Chennai's suburbs have expressed a strong need for these projects to move forward. Dayanand Krishnan, a resident of Chitlapakkam, pointed out that commuters have been waiting for a long time to travel via metro rail on the Airport-Kilambakkam route. He highlighted the daily congestion on this stretch, noting that thousands of people commuting from the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus currently suffer due to a lack of metro connectivity.
Krishnan added that the Koyambedu-Avadi-Pattabiram stretch also lacks adequate bus connectivity, making the rapid transit system highly necessary. He urged the Central government to approve these stretches quickly to ease travel for lakhs of daily commuters.
Meanwhile, discussions are also underway for additional Chennai Metro Rail stretches to link the northern parts of the city. The implementation of those northern routes may begin after official announcements by the State government, following the evaluation of a feasibility report.
