Chennai: CMRL To Extend Metro Network To Kuthambakkam On CUMTA's Recommendation, To Provide Seamless Transit To Bengaluru

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has suggested that the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) extend metro connectivity to the upcoming bus terminus at Kuthambakkam in the western suburbs, which will be operational by July or August this year.

The terminus near Thirumazhisai, will be spread over 25 acres with 70 bays for mofussil government buses and 30 for private services, all bound for western destinations, such as Krishnagiri and Bengaluru. There will also be 36 bays for MTC buses.

The CUMTA officials believe that the proposed extension of connectivity from the upcoming metro station in Poonamalee till Kuthambakkam, will help travellers arriving or heading to Bengaluru.

As 70 per cent of the work on the wi-fi-enabled hi-tech Kuthambakkam terminus is currently completed, CMRL is being suggested to take up the extension work soon. However, only the work on ancillary buildings, EB substations, toilets, compound wall and escalators are pending.

According to CUMTA officials, they have suggested CMRL to extend the service till the terminus and will send an official letter soon.

With the extension of the metro connectivity, residents of the surrounding areas and travellers will receive the proper last-mile connectivity, essential to serve the intended purpose of the bus terminus.

Chennai Metro Phase II

The expansion of Metro Phase II is planned with a network length of 118.9 km with 128 stations.

It consists of three corridors, namely Corridor-3 from Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.8 km), Corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass (26.1 km), Corridor-5 from Madhavaram at Sholinganallur (47 km).

Currently, the Chennai Metro Rail is pushing its efforts to open the section between Poonamallee and Light House to the public within three years.

The estimated cost of the Phase II project is‌‌ Rs 63,246 crore. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

There are 41 stations of which 21 are underground and 20 elevated. The entire Phase-I is fully operational.