Infrastructure
MRTS in Chennai. (Wikipedia)
Chennai Metro Rail is expected to finalise the detailed feasibility report (DFR) for mass rapid transit systems (MRTS) in Tiruchi and Salem within the next few weeks.
According to M A Siddique, Managing Director, Chennal Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL), MRTS for Tiruchi city will be implemented based on a comprehensive mobility plan.
The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) is developing a comprehensive mobility strategy for the city. A thorough feasibility report would be created based on the concept, which is expected soon. Based on the report, a judgement on what type of MRTS would best serve the city would be made.
According to officials from CMRL, the reports are nearing completion and should be finished by early next month. The team plans to visit Salem to assess the impact of the proposed alignment on the existing flyovers.
The feasibility reports will recommend the most suitable mass rapid transit system for each city, including possible alignments, traffic demand, estimated construction time, and cost estimates.
Once the DFR is submitted, a detailed project report will need to be prepared for each city based on consultations with stakeholders and the State government.
Currently, Chennai Metro Rail is primarily focused on the phase II project spanning 116 km. Last month, they submitted detailed project reports (DPR) for Coimbatore and Madurai.
However, the approval of the DPR by the State government is necessary before these projects can proceed to seek funds and begin construction.