The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project worth Rs 63,246 crore. Following the cabinet meeting, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnav said that 128 railway stations will be constructed in the second phase of the Metro Rail Project.

The foundation stone of this project was laid in 2020. The total length of Chennai Metro Phase II will be 118.9 km.

The project is expected to be completed by 2027. Once the second phase is fully operational, Chennai will have a total Metro Rail network of 173 Km

The second phase plan consists of three corridors:

1. Corridor-(i): From Madhavaram to SIPCOT for a length of 45.8 Km with 50 stations.
2. Corridor-(ii): From Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass for a length of 26.1 Km with 30 stations.
3. Corridor-(iii): From Madhavaram to Sholinganallur for a length of 47 Km with 48 stations.

With the approval of the Union Cabinet for this project, the central government will directly provide Rs 7,425 crore for the metro project. In addition to this, the central government will also facilitate a loan of Rs 33,593 crore for this project.

This makes the direct contribution of the Tamil Nadu government for Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project to Rs 22,228 crore.

“Boosting ‘Ease of Living’ in a vibrant city! I congratulate the people of Chennai and Tamil Nadu on the Cabinet’s approval of the Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-II. This will help in easing traffic, improving sustainability and economic growth,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on ‘X’ congratulating people in Tamil Nadu.

“Thank you, Hon’ble PM @narendramodi, for accepting our request during my last meeting with you and approving the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project. This long pending demand of the people of Tamil Nadu having been addressed now, we are confident of completing the project at the earliest!” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin posted on ‘X’ thanking the Prime Minister.

The Phase-II of Chennai Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city’s infrastructure development. The corridors of Phase-II connects North to South and East to the West of the city passing through key areas like Madhavaram, Perambur, Thirumayilai, Adyar, Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Porur, Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, St. Thomas Mount and other areas.

It will extend connectivity to rapidly growing areas like Sholinganallur, which serves as a hub for the south Chennai IT corridor. By connecting Sholinganallur via ELCOT, the metro corridor will cater to the transportation needs of the growing IT workforce.

Phase-II of Chennai Metro is also expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the city. This will lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, thereby increasing overall road safety.

The second phase of the Metro Rail Project will lead to expansion of the overall metro rail network in Chennai which will significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport, the central government said.

Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces more efficiently. The construction and operation of Phase-II will generate numerous jobs in various sectors, from construction workers to administrative staff and maintenance personnel.

Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions, the central government said.

The expansion of Phase-II Metro Rail network in Chennai will provide equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities. This will lead to higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to various parts of the city, the central government said in a press release.