Chennai Metro: CMRL Submits Rs 9,335 Crore DPR For Airport-Kilambakkam Extension

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has taken a crucial step toward improving urban connectivity by submitting a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the metro extension from Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam bus terminus.

The updated proposal, integrating the metro line with an elevated road, is estimated to cost Rs 9,335 crore—an increase of Rs 5,000 crore from the initial estimate, The New Indian Express reported.

CMRL Managing Director MA Siddique presented the DPR for the 15.46 km metro extension which includes 13 stations, to K Gopal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Special Initiatives Department.

The initial DPR underwent revisions after authorities directed CMRL to integrate an elevated road along with the metro corridor.

Under the revised plan, the metro line will be constructed at Level-2, while the elevated road will be at Level-1, ensuring seamless connectivity to the Kilambakkam bus terminus.

Additionally, intermediate ramps near Tambaram will connect commuters to the Outer Ring Road.

The elevated road will extend directly to the Kilambakkam bus stand, with scope for a future extension to Chengalpattu.

The proposed metro extension will pass through key suburban areas such as Pallavaram, Chrompet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur.

The alignment will strengthen connectivity between major transport hubs, including Kilambakkam bus terminus, Chennai International Airport, and Tambaram railway station, offering commuters a streamlined transit alternative.

Larsen & Toubro Infrastructure Engineering conducted the feasibility study for the airport-Kilambakkam metro link in 2019.

However, the DPR preparation encountered delays, with CMRL submitting the initial report in early 2022.

One of the major challenges was the state highways department’s plan to build an elevated corridor up to Tambaram, which conflicted with the proposed metro route.

Following detailed discussions, both agencies finalised an agreement on the metro viaduct’s level and the elevated corridor’s height.

CMRL explored three potential alignments during the feasibility study: a 16-km stretch along GST Road, a 19-km route extending from GST Road to Tambaram and Mudichur Road, and a 20-km alignment passing through Airport-Cantonment-Pallavaram Bus Stand, GST Road via Hastinapuram and Tambaram West, and Mudichur Road to Kilambakkam.

CMRL reportedly opted for this route despite concerns that the GST road alignment’s proximity to the existing suburban rail service (Beach to Tambaram) could impact metro ridership.

The decision was driven by its fully elevated design and minimal land acquisition needs compared to other alternatives.

The submission of the revised DPR brings the project closer to execution, paving the way for enhanced public transport infrastructure and better connectivity for Chennai’s commuters. However, its implementation hinges on approval from the Union government.

Also Read: Bengaluru’s Circular Railway DPR Nears Completion, Suburban Rail Project Set For 2027 Completion