Chennai’s Airport-Kilambakkam Metro to Run Above Elevated Road for Enhanced Connectivity
Chennai is set to see significant improvements in its urban transport network with the finalisation of the design for the much-anticipated Airport-Kilambakkam metro extension. After years of planning and deliberations, the revised proposal has merged metro connectivity with an elevated road to enhance the overall transport experience for commuters.
The extension, which will stretch across 15.46 km, is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide seamless connectivity to key areas in South Chennai. The metro will run on level-2, while an elevated road will be constructed at level-1 along the GST Road, making it a dual-structured transport system. This project is slated to cost Rs 9,335 crore, with 13 elevated stations planned along the route, including significant stops such as Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur. The extension’s route has been designed to enhance connectivity in both urban and suburban areas. The metro will pass through critical localities like Pallavaram, Chromepet, and Tambaram, while a depot will be situated near the Kilambakkam bus terminal. Additionally, intermediate ramps will be constructed near Tambaram to provide direct access to the Outer Ring Road, improving the overall traffic flow in the region.
The integration of the elevated road into the metro project is a key step towards streamlining transportation. It will extend towards the Kilambakkam bus stand, with scope for future expansion to Chengalpet. This dual-level structure is expected to significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks and make commuting more efficient for residents and visitors alike. The revised metro plan has been welcomed by South Chennai residents, who have long awaited a solution to the region’s growing traffic issues. The project, which has been under review since 2018, is now in its final stages. Dayanand Krishnan, a Tambaram-based resident-activist, expressed his optimism about the project, emphasising that constructing both the metro and the elevated road simultaneously would prevent the delays seen in other projects, such as the Anna Salai elevated corridor.
Krishnan pointed out that the simultaneous construction would minimise traffic disruptions, a common concern for residents in metro construction zones. He noted that while Anna Salai experienced significant delays, this integrated approach for GST Road would ensure smoother development and reduce the impact on daily commuters. Initially, the metro design did not include an elevated road, and CMRL had proposed a high 18-20 metre corridor. However, the highways department pushed for a more integrated design that would combine both metro and elevated road systems, ensuring better space utilisation and minimal disruptions. A parallel layout with three columns was initially considered but dismissed due to impracticality. After further analysis, a solution combining a level-2 metro and level-1 road was selected as the most viable and cost-effective option. With the detailed project report (DPR) now submitted for government approval, there is a sense of anticipation regarding the project’s future. Local residents are urging the government to approve the plan in the upcoming budget, which will allow the project to move to the next stage. If approved, the plan will be sent to the Centre for clearances and funding, paving the way for a smoother and faster execution process. This integrated metro and elevated road project is set to transform the transportation landscape in Chennai, providing a model for future urban infrastructure projects in the city. By improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and ensuring safer commutes, the Airport-Kilambakkam metro extension promises to be a game-changer for residents and tourists alike.
