The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced its focus on two key infrastructure projects: the 15.3-km Airport-Kilambakkam Metro Rail corridor and the Poonamallee-Parandur corridor, which will serve as a critical link to the proposed Parandur Second Airport. These projects aim to address mounting traffic challenges in south Chennai while boosting connectivity to key transit hubs.
The Airport-Kilambakkam project has faced delays despite the submission of a detailed project report (DPR) two years ago. According to CMRL officials, the report required revisions three months ago, delaying progress further. Presently, DPRs for both the Airport-Kilambakkam and Poonamallee-Parandur projects are nearing completion. However, CMRL is engaging with the Highways Department and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to secure agreements on certain technical aspects before forwarding the reports to the Tamil Nadu government for approval.
A high-level meeting involving authorities from both the Centre and the State was recently convened to review all metro rail projects planned for Tamil Nadu. During the discussions, officials emphasized the pressing need to alleviate traffic congestion in south Chennai, particularly for commuters traveling to the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. The area, already a major transit hub, is seeing increased demand for better public transport solutions. Similarly, the Parandur corridor was identified as a high-priority project due to its importance in connecting the upcoming second airport, a vital infrastructure for Tamil Nadu’s growing air traffic.
“Residents of south Chennai face intense traffic congestion daily. A reliable and efficient mass rapid transit system to the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus is essential. At the same time, we are focusing on providing seamless connectivity to the Parandur Second Airport through the Poonamallee-Parandur corridor. Both projects have received significant attention, and we plan to submit the DPRs to the State government very soon,” a CMRL official stated.
Once the State government approves the DPRs, these projects are expected to significantly enhance urban mobility in Chennai. The Airport-Kilambakkam Metro corridor will cater to commuters traveling between Chennai International Airport and the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus, while the Poonamallee-Parandur line will serve as a direct link to the new airport, fostering economic growth and improving accessibility for residents and travelers alike.
Both projects reflect Tamil Nadu’s vision for sustainable urban development, integrating public transport to address traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. The proactive involvement of central and state authorities underscores the importance of these initiatives in shaping Chennai’s future as a modern, well-connected metropolitan city.
