Chennai: Taking a fresh look at the plans for phase 2, the Chennai Metro Rail is considering extending it so that the corridor from Madhavaram, that currently ends at the Lighthouse, could be extended up to Siruseri. This is to cater to the substantial number of IT employees who live in apartment complexes along the route. Sources added that plans are on to integrate it with Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station. Besides this, there are also plans to rework the other two corridors as well, highly placed sources told Media.
The second phase consisting of three corridors was to add 76 kms to the metro rail network. But now officials are contemplating extending it to 88 km, said sources.
The major change is for the third corridor from Madhavaram to Lighthouse, a stretch of 17 kms. Initially, the corridor was to begin from Madhavaram and proceed via Perambur, Ayanavaram, Purasaiwalkam, Nungambakkam High road, Gemini, Radhakrishnan Salai and Luz to end at Lighthouse.
Now the idea that is mooted is to extend it all the way to Siruseri along the Old Mahabalipuram Road. If this is approved and finalised, it would be the longest corridor of Chennai Metro. This is not easy though. The alignment is likely to cross the Adyar river and creek, and would hence require Coastal Regulation Zone clearance. Also, officials are considering various alignments, as there are large heritage structure on the Santhome High Road.
Top officials are looking at both elevated and underground options for undertaking the work. Among the details under discussion is whether to have the elevated stretch from Adyar to Siruseri or from Thiruvanmiyur to Siruseri. However, Metro Rail sources said that it is too early to come to conclusion, as the precise proportion of elevated and underground sections, particularly along Old Mahabalipuram Road, would be considered while preparing the Detailed Project report.
New Proposed Alignment
Total length: 88km
Approx Cost: Rs 45,000 crore
Corridor III: Madhavaram to Siruseri (41km)
Corridor IV: Koyambedu to Light House (14km)
Corridor V: Madhavaram to
Perumbakkam (33km)


