Demand for Metro Rail extension grows
CHENNAI: The demand to extend the metro rail service among residents of Chennai is growing as the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is currently expediting the phase II network in three corridors spanning 116.1 km.
The construction of 119 stations, including 43 underground stations and 76 elevated stations, combining all three corridors is under way. By dropping nine non-feasible Metro stations and reducing the station sizes, the CMRL has revised the expenditure for the Metro Rail construction to Rs 61,843 crore. In the 2024-25 budget allocation, the state government has allotted an additional Rs 12,000 crore for the construction works.
Observing that the Metro rail enables smooth commuting through the city, the residents of Manali New Town and Tiruvottiyur requested the government to extend the service and also provide a strong feeder service.
The members of the Tiruvottiyur Consumer Protection Council, who coordinated with the North Chennai People Rights Federation during extension of the phase I till Wimco Nagar, requested the government and CMRL to take initiatives to connect the Wimco Nagar Metro station with Madhavaram.
Speaking to DT NEXT, a member of Tiruvottiyur Consumer Protection Council said, “The extension of phase I is highly beneficial for residents in north Chennai and several people have switched to Metro from private vehicles. Hence we urge CMRL to connect Wimco Nagar with Madhavaram, which is close to 11 km, to benefit more people.”
The member also requested CMRL to initiate a study on the feasibility of the route to devise plans for possible Metro stations in the future. “Connecting Wimco Nagar with Madharavam
through Metro service or strong feeder service will benefit the public in north Chennai,” added the member.
Similarly, the residents of Manali New Town have also requested a separate Metro station in the locality which will be useful for around 1 lakh residents. The residents also complained about the shoddy road leading to Wimco Nagar Metro station.
With several industries around Manali New Town, not only the residents of the area but also the people in Vichoor, Napalayam, Andarkuppam, Eechankuzhi, and Kadapakkam among others will benefit from the metro service.
A Manali New Town resident said, “Constructing a Metro will cater to the hundreds of people residing in more than 30 regions in north Chennai. Also, there is a dire need to strengthen the feeder service and repair the road which will enable the public to save five km in reaching Wimco Nagar Metro station.”