Chennai’s Mandaveli Bus Depot is set for a major transformation under Metro Phase 2, blending retail, office, and transit infrastructure into a single integrated hub. With dual access roads and solar-powered terraces, the redevelopment will feature metro station entry points, bus bays, and commercial towers, marking a significant step towards sustainable, transit-oriented development in the city.
Chennai is undertaking a significant urban redevelopment project by modernising the Mandaveli Bus Depot into a mixed-use transit and retail complex, in line with the Chennai Metro Phase 2 expansion. The plan, spearheaded by Chennai Metro Asset Management Limited (CMAML)—a joint venture of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO)—aims to construct a fully integrated, green-certified facility under a Rs 151 crore initiative that includes GST and provisional sums.
Strategically located along the upcoming Corridor 3 of Phase 2, the Mandaveli project incorporates the entry and exit structures of the underground Mandaveli metro station into the depot itself. This Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model maximises land efficiency by combining multiple transit modes—metro and bus—with commercial opportunities. The integration ensures improved connectivity, smoother passenger movement, and increased access to last-mile services within the urban core.
The total built-up area across two adjacent sites measures nearly 29,400 square metres. Site 1, spanning 0.745 acres, will include Tower A with corporate office and commercial space up to seven storeys. Two basement levels will accommodate parking for 184 two-wheelers and 96 four-wheelers. Meanwhile, Site 2, across 0.88 acres, will house Tower B—a retail-oriented structure also rising to seven floors, with parking provision for 318 two-wheelers and 96 cars in its dual-level basement.
Both towers gain strategic dual access from RK Mutt Road and connecting streets, boosting footfall and easing vehicular access. What sets the development apart is its sustainability focus. Solar panel installations are slated for the terraces of both towers, aligning the design with green building norms and helping reduce the carbon footprint of urban transport infrastructure. This is a step forward for Chennai’s climate-conscious infrastructure strategy, in line with national net-zero and sustainable urbanisation agendas.
Officials noted that the integrated facility will offer seamless multimodal commuting experiences, while also generating long-term non-fare revenue for Chennai Metro through retail and office leasing. Experts in transit infrastructure say such developments not only improve commuter convenience but also encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, easing urban congestion and reducing emissions.Mandaveli’s redevelopment serves as a potential model for other Indian cities aiming to adopt Transit-Oriented Development principles.
As Chennai expands its metro network, such integrated hubs are expected to catalyse more equitable and accessible urban growth by providing commercial vibrancy, transport convenience, and sustainable design under one roof. The project signifies a broader push to revitalise public transport infrastructure while embedding eco-friendly principles into core city planning.
