The Centre’s high-level group has begun reviewing three proposed extensions to the Chennai Metro Rail network. The projects cover routes from the airport to Kilambakkam, Poonamallee to Parandur, and Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi. Detailed project reports sent last year remain under examination by the Network Planning Group.
A recent meeting focused on the Airport to Kilambakkam line. Officials were asked to consult with the Railways and Defence ministries before returning to the Network Planning Group. The group is scheduled to examine the Koyambedu to Pattabiram project next week, followed by the Poonamallee to Parandur line.
The Network Planning Group includes representatives from multiple ministries and ensures coordinated planning across proposals. Clearance by the group would send the projects to the Public Investment Board for further review and eventual Cabinet approval. A CMRL official stated that files are moving at a good pace and final approval is expected soon.
Phase I of the metro is operational while Phase II construction continues. The first stretch of Phase II from Poonamallee to Vadapalani is expected to open soon. Even with approval this year, the extensions would require at least three years to become operational due to the scale of construction.
