CMRL Plans RRTS to Connect Parandur Airport
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is considering the development of a regional rapid transit system (RRTS) to provide seamless connectivity to the upcoming second airport in Parandur. As part of the ongoing planning, two potential corridors are under review for the new system. One will link Chennai Airport to Parandur via Sriperumbudur, while the second route will connect Chennai to Kancheepuram and Vellore, passing through Parandur.The proposed RRTS is expected to serve as a high-speed alternative to the metro, offering faster travel times and reducing the strain on existing infrastructure.
Unlike the metro, where stations are typically located every 1 to 2 kilometres, the RRTS would feature fewer stops, approximately every 10 km, significantly enhancing its speed. This semi-high-speed system is anticipated to operate at speeds of 100-120 kmph, compared to the Chennai Metro’s maximum speed of 80 kmph.
This initiative comes in response to the need for efficient transit to the new airport, which will be located on the city’s outskirts. CMRL officials noted that the RRTS would not only benefit city commuters but also residents from surrounding districts.
The system aims to alleviate congestion and provide timely access to the airport, especially for air travellers.The feasibility study for the RRTS is expected to begin shortly, with officials highlighting the importance of the system in improving accessibility to the airport. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to establish three key RRTS corridors in the state, including routes linking Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tindivanam, and Villupuram, along with a corridor connecting Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem.
Although the metro rail system will be extended to Sriperumbudur, experts suggest that a semi-high-speed rail system such as the RRTS would be more suitable for the longer distances beyond this point. The Chennai-Kancheepuram-Vellore corridor, for instance, would have a stop at Parandur but would not enter the airport, while the other corridor would bring passengers closer to the terminal.With these plans, CMRL is setting the stage for a robust and efficient transit network that aligns with the city’s growing transportation needs, contributing to a sustainable and connected urban future.
