Green Signal For Growth: Tamil Nadu Govt Clears Chennai Metro’s Poonamallee–Parandur Corridor

The Tamil Nadu government has approved the extension of Chennai Metro Rail from Poonamallee to Parandur, a part of Corridor 4 of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, The Hindu reported.

The government has also granted in-principle approval for implementing the first phase of the corridor between Poonamallee and Sunguvarchatram, spanning 27.9 km at an estimated cost of Rs 8,779 crore.

Swift completion of this phase would provide convenient access to the Kuthambakkam bus terminus for commuters. The state has forwarded the project proposal to the Centre for consideration.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials confirmed, as reported by The Hindu, that 14 stations are planned along this stretch: Nazarathpet, Chembarambakkam, Kuthambakkam Bus Terminus, Samathuvapuram, Chettipedu, Thandalam, SIPCOT Irungattukottai, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Irungulam Industrial Area, Mambakkam, Thirumangalam, and Sunguvarchatram.

The full Poonamallee–Parandur corridor spans 52.94 km and is estimated to cost Rs 15,906 crore. The detailed project report (DPR) proposes a two-phase implementation: Phase I from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram, and Phase II from Sunguvarchatram to Parandur. The DPR will soon be submitted to the Centre to seek funding through equity sharing and loan assistance.

In July 2024, CMRL assigned the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed metro line to Aarvee Associates Engineers.

The decision to develop Metro Rail connectivity followed major developments in the region, including the upcoming greenfield airport at Parandur and the planned bus terminus at Kuthambakkam, among others.

Situated approximately 42 km from the existing Meenambakkam airport, the proposed Parandur greenfield airport will span 2,172.72 hectares and include two parallel runways along with three midfield terminal buildings.

Work on Phase I of the CMRL is expected to begin soon, with utility relocation and land acquisition underway.