Tamil Nadu Clears Rs 2,126 Crore For Chennai Metro Expansion Preparatory Works

The Tamil Nadu government has authorised a fresh allocation of Rs 2,126 crore to fast-track preparatory works for the proposed western extension of the Chennai Metro from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram.

The funds will cover land acquisition, surveys and road realignments along the 27.9 km corridor, according to a The New Indian Express report.

Of the sanctioned amount, nearly 86 per cent or around Rs 1,836 crore will go towards land acquisition, including compensation for affected structures.

The support will be provided to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) as subordinate debt, continuing the state’s practice of underwriting early-stage expansion costs.

The Poonamallee–Sunguvarchatram segment forms part of a larger 52.94 km corridor that is eventually planned to reach the proposed Parandur greenfield airport, with an estimated total outlay of Rs 15,906 crore.

Once completed, the route will link industrial and residential hubs such as Chembarambakkam, Thandalam, Irungattukottai, Sriperumbudur and Sunguvarchatram, before terminating at the new airport.

Transport planners have urged prioritisation of the Poonamallee–Sunguvarchatram stretch as a crucial first step.

Estimated to cost around Rs 8,779 crore, this segment will feature 14 elevated stations.

The latest sanction follows a series of recent approvals by the state for metro expansion.

Just last month, Rs 2,442 crore was cleared for early-stage work on the 21.76 km Koyambedu–Pattabhiram corridor, including Rs 2,204 crore earmarked for land acquisition.

That project, with a projected cost of Rs 9,928 crore, is aimed at easing pressure on the Outer Ring Road.

Earlier this week, the state government also authorised Rs 1,964 crore for land acquisition, utility relocation and allied works on the 15.5 km Phase-1 extension linking Chennai airport to the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus.

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