Chennai begins Metro work on Koyambedu Avadi Pattabiram corridor project
The Tamil Nadu government has given the go-ahead for preparatory works on the much-anticipated Koyambedu–Avadi–Pattabiram Metro corridor, marking an important milestone for urban mobility in the capital. The 21.76-km elevated extension is designed to link some of the city’s most densely populated residential and industrial pockets with central Chennai, promising faster and more sustainable travel options.
The administrative sanction allows Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to begin land acquisition, utility relocation, surveys, and environmental assessments, even as the project awaits final approval from the Union government. The State has earmarked ₹2,442 crore as subordinate debt to CMRL to fund the preparatory phase, of which ₹188 crore is specifically reserved for topographic surveys, geotechnical investigations, traffic diversions, and tree replantation initiatives.Officials emphasised that sustainability will remain central to the corridor’s development. Tree cutting will be minimised and compensated with extensive replanting, while traffic management plans are expected to reduce carbon emissions caused by congestion. With 19 planned stations, including hubs at Ambattur Estate, Avadi Railway Station, and Pattabiram, the project is positioned as a major boost to connectivity between industrial estates, defence establishments, and residential zones along the Outer Ring Road.
The total project cost is estimated at ₹9,928 crore. While the Centre has sought a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) from the State before final clearance, preparatory works are being rolled out to prevent delays once approval is granted. Senior planners have indicated that this line will complement the city’s existing Metro network and is expected to integrate with other mass transit options, reducing dependency on private vehicles.Local residents, particularly in Avadi and Ambattur, have welcomed the move, highlighting that the new corridor could drastically cut commuting time and improve access to jobs, healthcare, and education. For many families in the area, public transport remains the backbone of daily life, and Metro connectivity is viewed as a long-overdue intervention.
Urban transport experts note that the corridor could significantly advance Chennai’s green mobility goals by shifting thousands of daily commuters from road to rail, thereby reducing vehicular emissions. If integrated with modern fare systems and feeder bus services, the corridor could become a model of inclusive and climate-conscious transit planning.The Tamil Nadu government’s decision reflects its intent to position Chennai as a forward-looking, transit-oriented city. While the final nod from the Union government remains pending, the preparatory works signal that the city is determined to keep its mobility agenda on track. For commuters across the western suburbs, this development may be the beginning of a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable future of travel.
