Chennai is poised to enhance its airport connectivity significantly with a new metro line that will link the existing Meenambakkam airport to the forthcoming Parandur airport, expected to be operational within a few years. Once completed, this new metro line will enable passengers to travel between the two airports in under an hour, marking a substantial improvement in transit efficiency.
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is spearheading this ambitious project, with a feasibility study currently underway for a new metro route stretching approximately 16 kilometres from Meenambakkam to Poonamallee, via Kundrathur and Thiruneermalai. This line is set to be a precursor to a 43.63-kilometre extension linking Poonamallee to the Parandur airport. A detailed project report (DPR) for this extension is being meticulously prepared. Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants Pvt Ltd has been tasked with developing the DPR for the Poonamallee-Parandur extension. They are also responsible for completing the detailed feasibility report by the end of 2024. This extension will feature around 19 elevated stations and will form part of the larger Phase-2 Corridor-4, connecting Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass.
Once the new metro line is operational, passengers will likely need to switch platforms at Poonamallee, which is planned to become a major interchange station. Alternatively, travellers can board a train from any Phase-1 station and reach Parandur airport. Officials have indicated that the detailed feasibility report for the Airport-Poonamallee segment might be integrated with the DPR for the Poonamallee-Parandur extension, with submission expected by November 2024. The proposed metro route is designed to facilitate swift travel between the airports, minimising intermediate stops to ensure that the journey from Meenambakkam to Parandur remains within the targeted one-hour timeframe. The project is expected to boost connectivity and cater to the growing transport needs of the city.
In preparation for the DPR, the project will involve extensive soil investigations and topographical surveys, including the use of drones. The final alignment and number of stations will be determined based on these studies. This development is part of Chennai’s broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and support future growth in the region.
