Chennai Metro Eyes High-Speed Link to New Airport

With plans for a second airport at Parandur, Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) is considering a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to enhance connectivity.

Two corridors are under study: Chennai Airport to Parandur via Sriperumbudur and Chennai-Kancheepuram-Vellore via Parandur. The proposed semi-high-speed rail system aims to provide faster access to distant suburbs and neighboring districts, ensuring timely travel for commuters and air passengers. A feasibility study will begin soon.

A CMRL official explained that unlike Metro Rail, which has stations every 1-2 km, RRTS stations may be spaced every 10 km. Additionally, while Metro trains operate at a maximum speed of 80 kmph (with an average of 35 kmph), RRTS trains could reach speeds of 100-120 kmph.

In the recent budget, the state government proposed studying three key RRTS corridors:

• Chennai-Chengalpattu-Tindivanam-Villupuram
• Chennai-Kancheepuram-Vellore
• Coimbatore-Tiruppur-Erode-Salem

CMRL is also assessing connectivity between Meenambakkam Airport and Parandur, anticipating significant passenger demand. Additionally, the government plans to submit detailed project reports for three Chennai Metro Rail lines to the Centre for equity contribution:

• Airport-Kilambakkam
• Koyambedu-Pattabiram (via Avadi)
• Poonamallee-Sunkuvarchatram (via Sriperumbudur)

News by Rahul Yelligetti.