Chennai Metro Faces Delays in Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi Stations, Challenges Ahead
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is facing significant delays in the completion of two key stations along the highly anticipated Phase II project, which is crucial for improving the city’s transportation infrastructure. The stations, Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi, which form part of the 9 km stretch between Poonamallee and Porur, are now at the centre of ongoing construction challenges. These delays have raised concerns about the timeline for the Phase II rollout, which is slated to open by the end of 2025.
The Phase II metro expansion, worth ₹63,246 crore, aims to address the city’s growing traffic congestion by linking key locations. The stretch from Poonamallee to Porur is vital as it connects multiple important stations, including Poonamallee Bypass, Poonamallee, Mullaithottam, and Thelliagaram. While progress at most of these stations is steady and expected to meet deadlines, Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi are encountering serious hurdles. The primary reason for the delays in these two stations has been the unexpected need for additional infrastructure – the Kattupakkam grade separator. Originally not part of the design, the construction of this separator has created complications that now require alterations to the stations’ plans. The grade separator will be positioned on the first level of the stretch, while the metro viaduct and track construction are being carried out on the second level. This discrepancy in planning has caused delays, particularly in the construction of the two stations.
The construction work at Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi has been made particularly difficult by their elevated design. Both stations are expected to be 25 metres above ground level due to the grade separator below. This poses additional challenges for construction, as these high stations are being built in the middle of heavy traffic with various restrictions on space and movement. Despite these difficulties, CMRL officials are optimistic that the work will be expedited. A source from CMRL shared that substantial manpower has been deployed to ensure the stations are completed within the stipulated timeframe. “We are closely monitoring the progress and putting in every effort to catch up. The viaduct between Poonamallee and Porur is nearly finished, and we are confident that both stations will be completed on time,” the source said.
Despite the challenges, CMRL has managed to keep construction going by adjusting designs and working in stages. The focus is now on meeting the tight schedule and ensuring that the Poonamallee to Porur stretch opens as planned, in time to cater to the ever-growing demand for efficient public transportation in the city. For commuters, the completion of this metro stretch holds great promise, providing a quicker, more reliable mode of transport through an increasingly congested city. However, as work continues on Karayanchavadi and Kumananchavadi, it remains to be seen whether these delays will affect the overall launch of the metro Phase II project. As of now, CMRL is dedicated to resolving these issues as swiftly as possible. With increasing traffic demands and a commitment to improving Chennai’s infrastructure, officials hope that the Metro’s completion will be one step closer to offering lasting relief to the city’s commuters.
