The long-awaited Airport-Kilambakkam corridor of Chennai Metro Rail has taken a decisive step forward, with the Tamil Nadu government granting its approval and forwarding the detailed project report (DPR) to the Union government for final clearance and financial backing.
The ₹9,335 crore elevated stretch is set to significantly enhance public transport connectivity along the southern corridor of the city, especially benefiting commuters in densely populated suburbs like Chromepet, Tambaram, and Perungalathur. This corridor, which spans 15.46 km along the bustling GST Road, has gained renewed urgency since the inauguration of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in Kilambakkam in December 2023. The terminus, a major transit node for intercity and long-distance buses, currently witnesses high daily footfall, yet lacks seamless integration with the city’s metro network.
According to metro officials, the proposed metro line will run entirely on an elevated structure above the existing roads, with stations planned at key locations including Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur. This elevated configuration is designed to coexist with the existing elevated roadway infrastructure, with the metro positioned at the second level and the road at the first. The strategic placement is aimed at minimising disruption and avoiding additional land-use conflicts. The state’s submission of the DPR to the Centre marks a critical milestone in the project’s trajectory. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that while land acquisition will require a separate notification expected within six months, the groundwork for shifting utilities could commence sooner. The land acquisition phase alone could extend up to 18 months, they said, emphasising the importance of timely central approval to keep the timeline on track.
Commuters and civic mobility experts have long expressed frustration over the delay in implementing the Airport-Kilambakkam link, which was first conceived more than four years ago. Experts noted that southern Chennai’s population has grown steadily as residents seek more affordable housing beyond the city’s central areas. However, this demographic shift has not been matched by a proportionate investment in infrastructure, creating bottlenecks and intensifying reliance on private vehicles. The lack of last-mile connectivity from neighbourhoods like Chitlapakkam and Tambaram to the existing airport metro station continues to pose a challenge. Auto fares ranging between ₹100 to ₹200 often discourage the use of public transport, inadvertently increasing vehicular traffic and carbon emissions. The Kilambakkam corridor is expected to ease this pressure by offering a reliable and cost-efficient alternative.
From a sustainability perspective, the corridor aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader climate and urban development goals. Experts advocate that metro rail expansion is essential for curbing urban sprawl, reducing vehicular congestion, and promoting low-emission commuting options. With Chennai frequently ranked among India’s most congested cities, such infrastructure enhancements are seen as both urgent and necessary. Officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the new corridor meets international standards of transit-oriented development. Once operational, the Airport-Kilambakkam route is expected to serve tens of thousands of passengers daily, cutting down travel time and reducing dependency on polluting modes of transport.
As the project now awaits central clearance, transit planners and civic groups are urging swift action to prevent further delay. They stress that each year lost to administrative inertia adds to Chennai’s environmental burden and undercuts the city’s efforts to become a model for inclusive and sustainable urban growth. While the path to completion involves multiple regulatory and construction hurdles, the state’s nod has reignited optimism that the city’s southern stretches will finally receive the metro connectivity they deserve. The onus now lies with the Centre to deliver timely approval and support, ensuring that momentum is maintained for this transformative urban mobility project.
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