Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has officially handed over the operations and maintenance contract for its much-anticipated Phase 2 network to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a deal valued at Rs 5,870 crore.
This move marks a significant step towards transforming the city’s transport infrastructure, with DMRC now tasked with the responsibility of operating the 118.9 km route across key parts of Chennai for the next five years. The Phase 2 network will significantly enhance the city’s public transport options, connecting vital areas that are crucial to the daily commute of thousands of residents. The new corridors will serve as critical links for both intra-city and inter-city mobility. Corridor 3, stretching from Madhavaram Milk Colony in the north to Siruseri Sipcot II in the south, will pass through high-density areas including Perambur, Nungambakkam, Teynampet, Adyar, and Sholinganallur. Corridor 4 will link Lighthouse at the Marina beach front to Poonamallee Bypass, connecting prominent zones such as Mylapore, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Porur, and Kumananchavadi. Meanwhile, Corridor 5 will serve as an inter-corridor connector, bridging the areas of Madhavaram Milk Colony and Sholinganallur via important nodes like Koyambedu, Alandur, and Velachery.
This award is a testament to the trust placed in DMRC, one of the most experienced metro operators in the country. With the operation and maintenance of such a large and complex network, DMRC will play a pivotal role in improving the city’s urban mobility landscape, ensuring smoother, more efficient travel for commuters. The deal was formalised when the CMRL Managing Director presented the Letter of Acceptance to the Managing Director of DMRC. This transfer of responsibility is seen as an important milestone in Chennai’s metro journey, aligning with the city’s long-term vision for sustainable urban transport solutions. The operation of the new metro lines will be integral not just to reducing traffic congestion but also in lowering the city’s carbon footprint, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to the growing number of private vehicles on the roads.
As cities like Chennai continue to expand and face the challenges of increasing urbanisation, the shift towards metro networks is becoming a key part of creating equitable, efficient, and environmentally responsible cities. Metro systems like the one being built in Chennai will not only improve connectivity but will also contribute to cleaner air and reduced road traffic. The role of such public transport projects in contributing to a zero-net-carbon future is becoming increasingly crucial, particularly in a country where urban population growth continues to rise exponentially. As CMRL hands over the reins to DMRC, the expectations are high. With the added responsibility of overseeing the operation of the Phase 2 network, DMRC’s extensive expertise will be vital in ensuring that the metro system functions smoothly, providing a reliable and sustainable mode of transport for the citizens of Chennai. The impact of this collaboration will undoubtedly be felt in the years to come as the metro network continues to grow, providing an accessible, green, and efficient transport alternative for one of India’s most dynamic cities. For Chennai, the future of mobility looks set to change dramatically, and with it, the city’s commitment to creating a sustainable urban environment.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 Operations Now with DMRC
