CHENNAI: With the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) inching closer to finalising the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Tambaram–Guindy–Velachery line, it is likely that the stretch will span 21.5 km with 19 stations.

CMRL officials speaking to DT Next confirm that the DPR is in its final stage and is likely to be completed within a fortnight. For the preparation, CMRL awarded the contract to Systra MVA Consulting in August for Rs 96.19 lakh.

After the DPR is completed, CMRL will submit it to the TN government for approval and the State forward to the Centre for its approval and share of funds. “For all this to complete, and to initiate construction, it will take more than two years,” added a CMRL official.

The Metro line is planned to cross vital locations in Tambaram, Velachery and Guindy, covering colleges, IT companies, residential areas and commercial spaces. Thus, this extension will play a crucial role for the public and for the Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

An senior CMRL official said, “As the entire stretch has been planned for 21.5 km, the stations have also been earmarked at vital locations with high Peak Hour Peak Direction (PHPD) traffic. Additionally, as this line connects Guindy, the location will transform into a mega transit and commercial space than it already is.”

Some of the stations planned in the line are Medavakkam, integration with corridor 5 (from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur), junction near Kamakshi Memorial Hospital in Pallikaranai, junction near Guru Nanak College in Velachery and a station integrating Velachery MRTS. The work commenced in March 2024 when CMRL began the reassessment of travel demand for the implementation of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) from Tambaram to Velachery, extending to either Guindy or Little Mount.

But, observing the growth and the already existing EMU in Guindy, along with CMRL’s plan to construct a multi-model hub, the officials, during the reassessment, fixed on extending the Metro line to Guindy, instead of Little Mount.