Chennai Metro Phase 2 Stations to Get Retail, Dining and Parking Facilities

Chennai Metro Rail Limited is set to significantly transform the commuter experience under its second phase of expansion, with plans to develop commercial, retail and parking facilities at key stations along Corridor 4. The initiative aims to strengthen ticket-independent revenue streams while creating modern public spaces integrated directly with mass transit infrastructure.

The move comes as the first stretch of Phase 2, running from Porur to Poonamallee Bypass, is expected to open for public use shortly. Once operational, several stations on Corridor 4 will feature shopping areas, dining options and organised parking facilities, allowing commuters to combine travel with daily lifestyle needs.

As part of the plan, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has floated consultancy tenders to prepare detailed designs for station-linked property development across locations including Nandanam, Boat Club, Bharathidasan Road, Alwarpet, Kutchery Road, Kattupakkam, Iyyappanthangal and Alapakkam. Development is also planned at points where Corridor 4 and Corridor 5 diverge.

Officials said the projects will utilise air rights above and around metro stations to construct commercial spaces without disrupting existing urban fabric. According to the plan, an 8,000 sq ft standalone commercial block will be developed near the Boat Club underground station, while around 22,000 sq ft is planned at Kutchery Road, including areas above station entry and exit structures.

At Alapakkam, an elevated station, a 25,000 sq ft multi-level car parking facility is proposed, connected to the station through a foot overbridge. Similar parking-linked developments are planned at Kattupakkam and Iyyappanthangal, improving last-mile access for commuters using private vehicles.

In addition, around 54,000 sq ft of space beneath the elevated sections where Corridors 4 and 5 split will be landscaped into public plazas, adding much-needed open areas to dense neighbourhoods. Metro officials noted that cities of Chennai’s scale require more accessible public spaces, a demand reflected in crowded malls and parks during weekends.

Experts believe that as Phase 2 connects newer parts of the city, passenger footfall will rise substantially, improving the viability of station-linked commercial development. The initiative is expected to support long-term ridership growth while positioning the Chennai Metro as an integrated urban mobility and lifestyle network.