Chennai: Phase-II metro rail to cover 114 km

Chennai: Another 114 km of Chennai would figure on metro rail map with Chennai Metro Rail Limited reaching the completion phase of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for phase-II project that envisages connecting the metropolis with the IT corridor.  The phase-II will have three corridors - Madavaram to Siruseri via Mylapore, Luz, Madavaram to Sholinganallur via Perumbakkam, and CMBT to Light House via Panagal Park, according to the DPR prepared by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (Rites).

“The Rites had the DPR ready by first week of July, but it was subject to various cost effective alterations and design changes,” said a senior CMRL official. “The stations have been decided. As of now, the elevated parts of the corridors would be double the underground parts in phase II.”  The official added that the DPR, which had been subject to various checks and changes, is now in its final phase.
 “Once the final recommendations and changes are made, the final report will be presented by the managing director to the state government by December this year,” he added.  “A lot of consideration is being put into deciding the route and the number of stations. We started from 84 km, and now we have finalised it at 114 km,” the  official said.

The initially proposed 104 kms was later increased to 114 kms as new stations were added considering orientation changes for commuter convenience.  Employees working in far-off areas like Siruseri are excited at the thought of skipping the sickening traffic jams on OMR. “This would make my travel so much cheaper and very convenient. Just hope that it takes off fast,” said M. Siddharth, a corporate employee.