TN Govt Approves Two-Phase Metro Line from Poonamallee to Parandur

The Tamil Nadu government gave in-principle approval for a 52.94-km Metro Rail line between Poonamallee and the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur, to be implemented in two phases.

Phase I will be 27.9 km long from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathram and is projected to cost ₹8,779 crore. Phase II will extend the line from Sunguvarchathram to Parandur. The project is an extension of the Corridor 4 Chennai Metro, which already exists from Poonamallee Depot to Light House.

The Department of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives confirmed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the initial phase was approved and forwarded to the Union government for funding. Financial support is anticipated from a combination of equity sharing and loans from multilateral or bilateral funding organizations.

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) commissioned Aarvee Associates Engineers to draw up the Detailed Project Report (DPR) in July 2024, following significant developments in western Chennai, including the construction of a new airport at Parandur and a new bus terminus at Kuthambakkam. The consultant has recommended a two-stage rollout plan, which the State has now approved.

Tentative Metro stations in Phase I are Chembarambakkam village, Tirumazhisai township, Chettipedu Pappanchathiram, SIPCOT Irungattukottai, Pennalur electric substation, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Mambakkam, Tirumangalam, and Sunguvarchathram.

Additionally, the State plans to finalize DPRs for two additional metro corridors: a 15.46-km stretch from Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam at ₹9,335 crore, and a 21.76-km route from Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi at ₹9,744 crore.

The ambitious metro expansion aims to boost public connectivity to key transit hubs and growing suburbs as part of Chennai’s broader urban development strategy.

Key Figures

• Total length: 52.94 km
• Phase I: 27.9 km (Poonamallee–Sunguvarchathram)
• Estimated cost: ₹8,779 crore
• Phase II: Sunguvarchathram–Parandur