Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has significantly revised its Tambaram Metro station plan to ensure smoother integration between rail and metro services. Scrapping the initial proposal to build the station on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, CMRL now plans to construct the station within the Tambaram Railway Junction premises.
This move, initiated at the request of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), is designed to foster seamless multimodal integration, catering to the growing needs of commuters in the region. The new Tambaram Metro station will occupy the parking lot and autorickshaw lanes near the western entrance of the railway station, providing better connectivity between the metro and suburban rail networks. With several south-bound trains now originating from Tambaram and major express trains such as Tejas and Vande Bharat halting there, the footfall at this railway station is expected to rise significantly. Commuters, especially those with heavy luggage, will greatly benefit from the close proximity of the metro entry to the 450-500m foot overbridge currently being developed by the railways. Experts believe that this strategic move will make transfers between the two modes of transport much more convenient, significantly reducing the walking distance for passengers. The integrated station design is expected to not only ease passenger movement but also enhance the overall passenger experience at one of Chennai’s busiest transport hubs.
As part of its ongoing development efforts, CMRL has also finalised the location for Kilambakkam Metro station. Situated opposite the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) on vacant land, this two-level metro station will serve as a key transit point on the Airport-Kilambakkam extension of Phase I. These two stations, Tambaram and Kilambakkam, are expected to strengthen connectivity to Chennai’s southern suburbs and contribute to the city’s growing metro network.To ensure uninterrupted traffic flow while maintaining access for vehicles, CMRL will make minor modifications to the rotary flyovers at Pallavaram and Chromepet. These changes will optimise traffic movement in key areas while improving metro accessibility for surrounding areas. On the same day, an AIIB team, the primary funding agency for the project, inspected both the Tambaram and Kilambakkam sites. Discussions also focused on new transport links, including the proposed Poonamallee to Parandur airport corridor, and the Koyambedu to Avadi line, which are all part of CMRL’s expansive Phase II development.
The Poonamallee-Parandur extension, a crucial project aimed at strengthening the city’s connectivity to the upcoming Greenfield airport, will stretch over 52.94 km, passing through several areas such as Chembarambakkam, Sriperumbudur, and Sunguvarchatram. This extension will feature 20 elevated stations and is expected to cost ₹15,906 crore. To streamline costs and timelines, the first phase, covering 27.90 km and 14 stations from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram, will be prioritised and is estimated at ₹8,779 crore.
The extension of the metro network to the airport is particularly important for boosting the city’s transportation capacity and accessibility, ensuring that air travellers and daily commuters can rely on an efficient and seamless transport system. These developments align with Chennai’s growing urbanisation needs, facilitating faster, more sustainable, and equitable travel options for residents across the city. With plans underway for key infrastructure improvements and new metro extensions, CMRL’s efforts are poised to provide much-needed relief to the city’s congested transport network. Additionally, these projects contribute to Chennai’s broader vision of becoming a more sustainable and accessible city, with metro systems playing a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Chennai Metro Changes Tambaram Station Plan to Boost Airport Link Connectivity
