TN govt clears two-phase Poonamallee-Parandur Metro Rail line

CHENNAI: The project to lay the Metro Rail line to the proposed greenfield airport in Parandur went a step ahead after the Tamil Nadu government gave its approval for the 52.94-km line. The work would be undertaken in two phases, from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathram in phase I and from Sunguvarchathram to Parandur in phase II.

As per the notification from the Department of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the approval has been given by the government as part of the corridor 4 line (Poonamallee Depot to Light House Metro) extension from Poonamallee to Parandur.

After the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) completes the required study for the two phased projects, the proposal will be submitted to the Union government for its assistance and funding from the external agencies, the notification said.

In July 2024, CMRL had entrusted the detailed project report (DPR) preparation work for the proposed line to the consultant, Aarvee Associates Engineers. The move to establish Metro Rail linkage came after significant developments in the area, such as the greenfield airport in Parandur, the proposed bus terminus in Kuthambakkam, among others.

The DPR submitted by the consultant had recommended the implementation of the project in two phases. Now, the State government has given in-principle approval to take up the first phase of the project from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathram for a total length of 27.9 km at an estimated cost of Rs 8,779 crore.

“Tamil Nadu government also approves the DPR for the implementation of the project and recommends the report to the Union government for its approval and funding one equity sharing basis and for availing loan assistance from bilateral/multilateral funding agencies,” stated the notification.

According to official sources, the Metro stations likely from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram are Chembarambakkam village, Tirumazhisai township, Chettipedu Pappanchsthiram, SIPCOT Irungattukottal, Pennalur electric substation, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Mambakkam, Tirumangalam, and Sunguvarchathram.

The State government will also submit the DPR to the Union government for the Metro Rail line from Chennai airport to Kilambakkam, covering 15.46 km at a cost of Rs 9,335 crore, and from Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi, covering 21.76 km at Rs 9,744 crore.

On track

52.94 km – the length of the proposed line from Poonamallee to Parandur

27.9 km length of Phase 1 from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathram

Rs 8,779 crore estimated cost of first phase

Phase 2: Sunguvarchathram to Parandur