Chennai Metro's ₹2,126 Crore Boost for Western Extension

The Tamil Nadu government has approved ₹2,126 crore to begin preparatory works for the western extension of the Chennai Metro, covering 27.9 km between Poonamallee and Sunguvarchatram. The segment forms the first phase of a proposed 52.94 km corridor to Parandur, the planned site of the city’s new greenfield airport.

To be implemented by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the total cost of the full corridor is estimated at ₹15,906 crore. As per the Government Order, ₹1,836 crore—nearly 86% of the sanctioned amount—will go towards land acquisition and structure compensation, while the remainder will cover surveys and preliminary roadworks. This funding will be extended to CMRL as subordinate debt, in line with the state's metro development policy.

The Poonamallee–Sunguvarchatram stretch, marked as a priority phase, will include 14 elevated stations and has an estimated project cost of ₹8,779 crore. Once completed, the corridor will improve connectivity to key industrial and residential zones such as Chembarambakkam, Thandalam, Irungattukottai, Sriperumbudur, and Sunguvarchatram, and eventually link to Parandur Airport.

Final approval from the Union government is awaited for the full corridor.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.