CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) may take a re-look at Corridor 3 of its Phase II project. There is a probability of CMRL shortening the size of the project and terminating the line at Shollinganallur instead of SIPCOT in Siruseri. But this is not yet final.
The Phase II project is estimated to cost ₹61,843 crores and is a 45.3 km stretch. A high-level meeting that was held recently discussed the prospect of reducing the length of this stretch. “We are just mulling a possibility to build this stretch till Shollinganallur. No decision has been taken yet. We have to look at a host of issues and consult with the important stakeholders before taking any decision in this regard. There was a discussion about the difficulty in acquiring land along this stretch from Shollinganallur to SIPCOT and hence this option is being explored,” a source said.
Earlier ten stations were planned to be built between Shollinganallur and SIPCOT, which include Shollinganallur Lake, Sri Ponniamman Temple, Sathyabama University, St. Joseph’s College, Semmancheri, Gandhi Nagar, Navalur, Siruseri, SIPCOT-1 and SIPCOT-2. People in thousands which includes IT employees and students, travel to these areas from various parts of the city. Even when the number of commuters dipped during the pandemic, most of the restrictions have now been lifted and offices are opening up, sources said.
“This stretch has been planned as an elevated one and because of the road width, it is easy to construct viaducts and stations in these locations. Also, in future, since it will cater to a large population. In times of increasing traffic, it will ease commuting significantly for the students and working professionals,” the source added.
CMRL had previously planned a depot at SIPCOT but the proposal was dropped as part of measures to trim the cost of the project. Now the Phase II work is on at several locations between Madhavaram and Shollinganallur and Light House and Poonamallee.
