CMRL Pushes for Airport-Kilambakkam, Poonamallee-Parandur Projects

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is advancing the much-anticipated Airport-Kilambakkam and Poonamallee-Parandur metro projects, addressing critical transit needs in Chennai. The detailed project reports (DPRs) for these projects are nearing completion, pending consultations with the Highways Department and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The 15.3-km Airport-Kilambakkam project had faced delays after a 2022 DPR submission required revisions three months ago. The redesign aims to integrate the metro viaduct with the elevated corridor proposed by the State Highways Department, using shared pillars for better infrastructure synergy. This corridor will connect the airport to Tambaram, with metro operations planned on the second level. Discussions are ongoing to integrate key flyovers at Tambaram, Pallavaram, and Perungalathur with metro facilities.

The 43.63-km Poonamallee-Parandur project, crucial for enhancing connectivity to the proposed second airport at Parandur, also requires alignment with the NHAI’s elevated corridor from Poonamallee to Sriperumbudur. Both projects underline the necessity of mass transit solutions in south Chennai, which suffers from significant traffic congestion.

A high-level meeting recently highlighted the urgency of these metro links to ease access to the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus and support the Parandur Second Airport Project. CMRL officials assured that the DPRs would soon be submitted to the Tamil Nadu government for final approval.

Sources indicate NHAI approval may not be required as the construction aligns with GST Road margins. The proposed Vandalur metro station is a key element in the Airport-Kilambakkam project, enhancing commuter convenience.