Chennai Airport-Kilambakkam Metro: ₹9,335 Crore Project Approved

The Tamil Nadu government has approved the much-anticipated Chennai Metro Rail extension from the airport to Kilambakkam and has submitted the detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre for approval and funding.

Estimated at ₹9,335 crore, the 15.46 km elevated corridor along GST Road aims to improve connectivity for residents of southern suburbs including Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, and Perungalathur. The project has gained urgency following the December 2023 launch of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam, which now sees heavy footfall.

The metro line will include stations at Pallavaram, Chromepet, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Anna Zoological Park, and Kilambakkam. The dual-level structure will feature the Metro on the second tier above the existing elevated roadway.

Land acquisition is expected to be notified within six months, with the process likely to take 18 months. Utility relocation will commence shortly. Despite earlier delays due to design revisions, the final alignment has been confirmed.

The state has recommended the project for central funding on an equity-sharing basis. Once approved, construction is expected to significantly enhance mobility and infrastructure in Chennai’s fast-growing southern corridor.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.