Chennai Approves Rs 2.5 Lakh-Crore Comprehensive Mobility Plan, Boosting Transport and Real Estate

Chennai is set for a major transformation as Chief Minister MK Stalin approved the Rs 2.5-lakh-crore Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for the city. This ambitious 25-year blueprint aims to expand and integrate Chennai’s public transport network, enhance commuter convenience, and promote sustainable urban mobility.

The CMP divides projects into short-, medium-, and long-term phases, with Rs 75,976 crore earmarked for works to be completed by 2030, primarily for public transport expansion. Projects through 2040 have a budget of Rs 95,777 crore, while the final phase up to 2048 will see investments of Rs 40,768 crore. This phased approach ensures systematic development and smooth execution across multiple transport modes.

Under the plan, the Chennai Metro network will expand from 172 km to 444 km by 2048, including the ongoing 54-km first phase and 118-km second phase. A 152-km light rail network is also proposed, while suburban rail corridors will be strengthened with 182 km of new lines and 126 km of upgrades. A 438-km Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) will connect key areas like Alandur, Tambaram, Parandur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and Gummidipoondi.

A landmark feature is the QR-based ‘One City, One Ticket’ system, enabling commuters to travel seamlessly across buses, metro, and suburban trains using a single ticket. The Chennai One Mobility App, available on iOS and Android, allows journey planning, real-time tracking, and digital ticketing, reducing queues at counters and simplifying public transport usage.

Sustainability is a core focus, with initiatives to reduce private vehicle use, promote walking and cycling, and encourage compact urban development, lowering emissions and improving quality of life.

The CMP’s enhanced connectivity is expected to have a significant impact on Chennai’s real estate sector, making residential and commercial hubs along metro, BRTS, and suburban rail corridors highly attractive for investment. Improved accessibility and modernized transport infrastructure will drive urban growth, reshaping Chennai’s metropolitan landscape for decades to come.