TN sanctions Rs 1,964 crore for Airport-Kilambakkam Metro Rail extension
The Tamil Nadu government has approved a Rs 1,964 crore budget for the Chennai Metro Rail project, specifically for the expansion from the airport to Kilambakkam.
The project, spanning 15.5 km, will include 13 elevated stations. The proposed route will connect Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur, providing crucial links to key transport hubs like the Kilambakkam Bus terminal, Chennai Airport, and Tambaram Railway station.
The total estimated cost for the entire metro project is Rs 9,335 crore.
The proposed extension to Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in Kilambakkam is done with the anticipation of approval from the Centre for its share of funds for the Metro Rail line.
However, replying to a Right to Information (RTI) petition filed by GIS expert and transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said on August 27 that the detailed project report (DPR) was under preliminary examination. So far, there are no records regarding meetings held for it, the ministry said.
In August, the State government had sanctioned Rs 2,442 crore to CMRL for the preparatory works to be carried out for Metro Rail construction from Koyambedu to Pattabiram, for a total length of 21.76 km.