Exploring Chennai in a Few Seconds
Established in 1639, Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is often referred to as the Gateway of South India. The city is located along the Coromandel Coast and features a rich cultural heritage,and was home to powerful dynasties like Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and the Vijayanagar Empire.
Chennai experienced steady growth during British colonial rule in the 17th and 18th centuries and was officially renamed from Madras to Chennai in 1996. Throughout the 20th century, the city continued to expand, eventually becoming the capital of Tamil Nadu.
Over the last two decades, Chennai has undergone a massive transformation in terms of population growth, infrastructure development, and economic advancement. Despite its well-established infrastructure, the rapid pace of urbanisation has outstripped the city’s capacity to meet its demands. This necessitated the conceptualisation of the Chennai Metro Project to address the growing transportation and urban infrastructure needs.
The Need for Chennai Metro
Chennai’s transport system, once well-established, began facing challenges as the city’s population and infrastructure expanded, overwhelming the existing network. Several key factors necessitated the development of the Chennai Metro:
Growing Population:
- In 2001, Chennai’s population stood at approximately 4.34 million. By 2011, this figure surged to 6.75 million, marking a growth rate of 55.4% over the decade.
- Projections estimate the population will reach 8.11 million by 2031, necessitating an efficient and reliable transportation system to accommodate this growth.
Urbanisation and Infrastructure Development:
- The geographic area of Chennai expanded from 176 square kilometers in 2001 to approximately 426 square kilometers post-2011.
- As the city expands, connecting its outer regions to the central hubs became essential, with the metro system expected to play a critical role in achieving this.
Economic Growth:
- Chennai has emerged as a economic hub in South India, known for its automotive industry (earning the title “Detroit of India”), IT parks, and manufacturing sectors.
- The metro system would enhance connectivity within the city, while also strengthening economic development and creating employment opportunities for residents.
Overview of Chennai Metro
Chennai Metro is a rapid transit system operated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu. Planning for the metro began in 2006-07, with construction starting in 2009. Currently, the system consists of:
- 2 Operational Lines: Green and Blue Lines. (Phase 1)
- 3 Lines Under Construction: Purple, Orange, and Red Lines. (Phase 2)
The Chennai Metro system aims to address the city’s growing transportation needs while supporting its continued urbanization and economic growth.
Key Specifications of Chennai Metro
| Total length | 54.1 km(Phase 1 + Extension of Phase 1) |
| Total stations | 40 stations |
| Track gauge | Chennai metro runs on a 1,435 mm standard gauge. |
| Ridership | Daily: 0.3 million (2023-24) |
| Annual: 110.3 million (2023-24) | |
| Electrification | Chennai Metro operates on a 25KV AC traction catenary system. |
| Speed | Average Speed: 75 Km/h |
| Maximum Speed: 120 km/h |
Lines of Chennai Metro
| Operational: 54.15 km | Under Construction: 102.97 km | Approved: 15.93 km | Proposed: 15.3 km |
Chennai Metro Phase 1
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was assigned the task of preparing a detailed project report for the Chennai Metro. In December 2007, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) was formed as a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu to manage and execute the project. Phase 1 of the Chennai Metro spans a total length of 45.1 km, covering two main corridors. With an additional extension of 9 km, the overall length of the project now totals 54.1 km.
Funding
- The estimated base cost of the first phase was Rs 3770 crore.
- 57% of the funding was provided through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- The remaining 43% of the funding was contributed by the Central and State Governments.
- Blue Line: Chennai International Airport to Washermanpet
- Length: 23.10 km
- Status: Operational
- Stations: Chennai International Airport, Meenambakkam, Nanganallur Road (OTA), Alandur, Guindy, Little Mount, Saidapet, Nandanam, Teynampet, AG-DMS, Thousand Lights, LIC, Government Estate, Chennai Central, High Court, Mannadi, Washermanpet.
- Green Line: Chennai Central to St. Thomas Mount
- Length: 22km
- Status: Operational
- Stations: St. Thomas Mount, Alandur, Ekkattuthangal, Ashok Nagar, Vadapalani, Arumbakkam, CMBT (Central Mofussil Bus Terminus), Koyambedu, Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar Tower, Anna Nagar East, Shenoy Nagar, Pachaiyappa’s College, Kilpauk Medical College, Nehru Park, Egmore, Chennai Central.
Phase 1 Extension
- In 2014, the Government of Tamil Nadu announced a 9 km (5.6 mi) northern extension of the Blue Line.
- The extension runs from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar, consisting of 9 stations.
- Construction began in July 2016.
- The extended section was officially opened for passenger operations on 14 February 2021.
- This extension increased the total operational length of the Chennai Metro system to 54.1 km (33.62 mi).
Stations: Sir Thiyagaraya College, Tondiarpet, New Washermenpet (formerly Tondiarpet), Tollgate Metro, Kaladipet Metro (formerly Thangal), Thiruvottriyur Theradi (formerly Gowri Ashram), Thiruvottriyur Metro, Wimco Nagar Metro, Wimco Nagar Depot Station.
List of Contractors of Phase 1
| Contractor Name | Contract Details |
| Delhi Metro Rail Corporation | Detailed Project Report (DPR) Preparer and Interim Consultant till September 2014 |
| Egis Rail – Egis India – Maunsell Consultants Asia – Balaji Rail Road Systems – Yachiyo Engineering JV | General Consultancy Services |
| Alstom India Ltd. | 168 Coaches (Rolling Stock) |
| Larsen & Toubro – Alstom Transport, SA – Alstom Projects India Ltd. | Design and Construction of Track Work in Viaduct, Tunnel, Underground and Depot in Corridor – I & II |
| Emirates Trading Agency – ETA Engineering Pvt. Ltd. | Design and build tunnel Ventilation System |
| Voltas Ltd. | Underground station’s air conditioning system |
Timeline of Chennai Metro Phase 1
| 2007 | November | The government of Tamil Nadu approved the first phase of Chennai Metro. |
| 2008 | April | The Planning Commission granted in-principle approval for the project. |
| 2009 | January | Final approval from the Union Cabinet of the Government of India. |
| 2015 | June | Koyambedu – Alandur (Green line): 10 km |
| 2016 | September | Airport – Little Mount (Blue Line): 8.6 km |
| October | Alandur – St. Thomas Mount (Green line): 1.3 km | |
| 2017 | May | Koyambedu – Nehru Park (Green line): 8 km |
| 2018 | May | Little Mount – AG-DMS (Blue Line): 4.8 kmNehru Park – Central (Green line): 2.6 km |
| 2019 | February | AG-DMS – Washermenpet (Blue Line): 9.8 km |
| 2021 | February | Washermenpet – Wimco Nagar (Blue Line): 9 km |
| 2022 | March | Wimco Nagar – Wimco Nagar Depot |
Chennai Metro Phase 2
- In July 2016, the Government of Tamil Nadu announced Phase 2 of the Chennai Metro project, consisting of three lines covering 104 km (65 mi) with a total of 104 stations.
- In July 2017, the state government announced an extension to Phase 2, which would add a new section extending from Lighthouse to Poonamallee, intersecting the Madhavaram–Sholinganallur line at Alwarthirunagar.
- With the extension, the total length of Phase 2 would increase to 118.9 km (73.9 mi), incorporating 128 stations.
- The stations in Phase 2 were designed to be smaller than those in Phase 1 to optimise both construction costs and construction time.
Reduction in Phase 2’s Length
- In May 2023, the length of the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project was reduced from 118.9 km to 116.1 km, along with a reduction in the number of stations from 128 to 118.
Specific Changes:
- Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT): reduced from 45.8 km to 45.4 km.
- Corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur): reduced from 47 km to 44.6 km.
- Corridor 4 (Lighthouse to Poonamallee): remained unchanged at 26.1 km.
- The overall project cost was revised down from ₹69,180 crore to ₹61,843 crore, due to the reduction in station sizes and modifications in some construction elements.
Rolling Stock
- Alstom will be providing a total of 108 coaches for Chennai Metro’s Line 4.
- CMRL declared BEML the lowest bidder to supply 210 coaches for the 116.1 km Chennai Metro Phase 2’s Line 3 and 5.
Lines in Phase 2
- Line 3 (Purple Line): Madhavaran Milk Colony – Siruseri SIPCOT station
- Distance: 45.4 km
- Stations (47): Madhavaram Milk Colony, Thapalpetti, Murari hospital Moolakadal, Sembiyam, Permabur Market, Perambur Metro, Ayanavaram Otteri, Pattalam, Perambur Barracks Road, Purasawalkam High Road, Kellys, KMC, Chetpet Metro, Sterling Road Junction, Nungambakkam, Gemini, Thousand Lights, Royapettah Government Hospital, Radhakrishnan Salai Junction, Thirumayilai Metro, Mandaiveli, Greenways Road Metro, Adyar Junction, Adyar Depot, Indira Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur Metro, Taramani Road Junction, Nehru Nagar, Kandanchavadi, Perungudi, Thoraipakkam, Mettukuppam, PTC Colony, Okkiyampet, Karapakkam, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, Sholinganallur Lake, Ponniamman Temple, Sathyabama University, St. Joseph College, Semmancheri, Gandhi Nagar, Navallur, Siruseri, SIPCOT-1, SIPCOT-2
TBM Breakthroughs on Line 3
| Timeline | TBM | Stations Covered | Distance |
| September 2024 | Kaveri (S-1327A) | Greenways Road Station – Adyar Junction Station | 1228m |
| August 2024 | Kolli (S81b) | Ayanavaram Station-Otteri Station | 903m Up-Line |
| August 2024 | Siruvani (DZ1040) | Chetpet Station- Sterling Road Station | 703m |
| June 2024 | Anaimalai (S98) | Ayanavaram Station-Otteri Station | 925m Down-Line |
| November 2023 | Podhigai (S97) | Madhavaram Milk Colony Station – Madhavaram High Road Station | 1400m Down-Line |
| September 2023 | Servarayan (S99) | Madhavaram Milk Colony Station- Venugopal Nagar Shaft | 415m Down-Line |
| August 2023 | Nilgiri (S96) | Madhavaram Milk Colony Station -Madhavaram High Road Station | 1400m Down-Line |
| June 2023 | Anaimalai (S98) | Madhavaram Milk Colony Station -Venugopal Nagar Shaft | 415m Up-Line |
- Line 4 (Orange Line): Light House – Poonamallee Bus Depot
- Distance: 26.1 km
- Stations (28): Lighthouse, Kutchery Road, Thirumayilai, Alwarpet, Bharathidasan road, Boat Club, Nandanam, Panagal Park, Kodambakkam, Kodambakkam flyover, Kodambakkam Powerhouse, Vadapalani, Saligraman warehouse, Alwarthiru Naga, Valasarvakkam, Karambakkam, Alapakkam, Porur Junction, Porur Bypass, Iyyapanthangal, Kattupakkam, Kumananchavadi, Karayanchavadi, Mullaithottam, Poonamallee, Poonamallee Bypass
| The modifications for the line’s alignment were approved in mid-2017, and Poonamallee will now be connected via Vadapalani and Porur. Stations planned at Foreshore Road and Natesan Park have been dropped. Estimated Project Cost: USD 2174.53 million Financing Plan: AIIB: $356.65 million (16%)Unassigned Co-Financer: $1,165.52 million (53.6%)Govt. of TN: $652.36 million (30.4%) |
- Line 5 (Red Line): Madhavaram – Sholinganallur
- Distance: 44.6 km
- Stations (48): Station Names: Madhavaram Milk Colony (interchange with Line-3), Venugopal Nagar, Assisi Nagar, Manjambakkam, Velmurugan Nagar, MMBT, Shastri Nagar, Reteeri Junction, Kolathur Junction, Srinivasa Nagar, Villivakkam Metro, Villivakka, Bus Terminus, Nadhamuni, Anna Nagar Depot, Thirumangalam, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Grain Market, Sai Nagar Bus Stop, Elango Nagar Bus Stop, Alwartiru Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Karabakkam, Alapakkam, Porur Junction, Mugalivakkam, DLF IT SEZ, Sathya Nagar, CTC, Butt Road, Alandur (interchange with Line-1 and Line-2), St Thomas Mount (interchange with Line-2), Adambakkam, Vanuvampet, Puzhuthivakkam, Madipakkam, Kilkattalai, Echangadu, Kovilabakkam, Vellakkal, Medavakkam Koot Road, Kamraj Garden Street, Medavakkam Junction, Perumbakkam, Global Hospital, Elcot, Sholinganallur
| The stretch connecting Porur and Poonamallee is anticipated to be the first section to open by the end of 2025 |
| Estimated Project Cost: $708.64 millionFinancing Plan: AIIB: USD 438.75 million (62%)ADB: USD 114.1 million (16%)Govt. of TN: USD 155.88 million (22%) |
Proposed Lines
| In 2022, the state government planned an extension for Phase 2. |
- Line 4: Poonamalee to Parandur
- Distance: 43.6 km
- Total Stations: 19
- Status: Planned
- Line 5: Koyambedu to Avadi
- Distance: 16.1 km
- Total stations: 15
- Status: DPR to be prepared
List of Contractors of Phase 2
| Contractor Name | Contract Details |
| CEG – AECOM JV | Line-3: Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) |
| LEED SMEC (underground section) and AECOM (elevated section) | Line-4: Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) |
| SYSTRA | Line-5: Detailed Design Consultant (DDC) |
| Nippon Koei India Pvt. Ltd. – Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. – Balaji Railroad Systems Pvt. Ltd JV | Line-3 and Line-5’s General Consultant (GC) |
| AECOM India – Oriental Consultants Global – Nippon Koei JV | Line-4’s General Consultant (GC) |
| ST Engineering Urban Solutions | Line-3 & Line-5: Half Height Platform Screen Doors at 10 elevated stations of Line-3 (Sholinganallur Lake – SIPCOT 2) and 29 elevated stations of Line-5 Grain Market – Elcot) – Package ASA12A |
| Panasonic Manufacturing (Beijing) Co. Ltd. – Pioneer Fil-Med Pvt. Ltd. JV | Line-3 & Line-5: Full Height Platform Screen Doors at 29 underground stations between Madhavaram Depot Station and Tharamani Station, and Line-5’s 5 underground stations between Kolathur Junction Station and Nathamuni Station (Villivakkam MTH Road) – Package ASA11 |
| Technical Bid Evaluation Underway | Line-3 & Line-5: Half Height Platform Screen Doors at 10 elevated stations of Line-3 (Nehru Nagar – Sholinganallur) and 10 elevated stations of Line-5 (Assisi Nagar – Koyambedu) – Package ASA09A |
Challenges Faced by the Chennai Metro
Cancellation of Tenders
In 2021, Chennai Metro Rail had to cancel six tenders floated for station construction along a part of Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to Taramani) due to steep prices quoted by bidders. This resulted in a delay of several months to re-bid and award the contracts, pushing back the commencement of station construction in this stretch.
Technical Glitches and Service Disruptions
Chennai Metro Rail services have faced disruptions due to technical glitches, such as issues with the overhead electric line near Guindy Metro station. This has caused hundreds of passengers inconvenience, especially during rush hours.
Parking and Last-Mile Connectivity Issues
Regular commuters face hassles parking at busy stations like the airport, Meenambakkam, and Thirumangalam. Many stations need more options for last-mile connectivity, discouraging commuters from using the metro. While CMRL has launched some last-mile connectivity services, many were discontinued during the pandemic and have not resumed.
Natural calamities
Cyclone Michaung caused significant damage to Chennai Metro Rail, resulting in losses of around ₹254 crore. The rains, wind, and flooding affected various equipment, such as cranes, point machines, and station roofs.
- Lack of Road Space and Utility Diversions
Lack of Road Space and Utility Diversions
The double-decker Metro construction on Arcot Road, part of Corridor 4, faced challenges such as lack of road space and multiple diversions of many utilities. Cranes could not be used for erecting the U-girders due to space constraints, necessitating the use of a launching girder
Benefits of Metro in Chennai
Boost to Real Estate:
- The metro passes through major commercial sectors, significantly increasing property prices in nearby areas.
- Property values are expected to rise by 10-20%, presenting excellent investment opportunities.
Environmental Benefits:
- By encouraging the use of public transport, the metro will help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the city.
- This shift towards sustainable transportation supports global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce pollution.
Economic Development:
- The project will generate a substantial number of employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth in Chennai.
- Various sectors involved in the construction and operation of the metro will contribute to the city’s overall economic development.
Integration with Other Transport Systems
- The proposed integration of the metro with other transport systems (like buses and suburban trains) will create a seamless public transport network. This interconnectedness will facilitate easier transfers between different modes of transport, further promoting public transit use over personal vehicles.
Conclusion
Chennai Metro is currently under construction. Phase 1 is fully operational, while Phase 2 is under construction with more proposed plans. Serving India’s sixth-most populous city, the Chennai Metro provides a desperately needed high-capacity mass transit solution to improve connectivity and reduce growing traffic problems.
The project aims to offer public transport appropriately integrated with other public and private transport forms, including buses and suburban trains, in heavily populated areas. Chennai Metro won a big race and has overridden many challenges but settled as a benefit over some loss.
