Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has assured the Madras High Court that it will not proceed with the demolition of two temples located near the Thousand Lights metro station as part of the ongoing Corridor-3 expansion under Phase-2 of the metro project. This assurance came in response to concerns raised about the potential impact of the metro construction on these religious structures, underscoring CMRL’s commitment to preserving cultural and religious heritage amidst infrastructural development.
The submission was made by the Advocate-General on behalf of CMRL before the first bench, comprising the Acting Chief Justice and a Justice, who were hearing the matter. The Advocate-General clarified that while the metro expansion is a crucial infrastructure project, efforts will be made to minimise disruption to the existing religious sites. According to the Advocate-General, the Durgai Amman temple, one of the two temples in question, will not be demolished. Instead, only the Nuzhaivayil Gopuram (entrance tower) will be temporarily shifted five metres within the temple premises to accommodate the construction work. The CMRL has committed to restoring the entrance tower to its original position once the metro work is completed, ensuring that the temple remains largely unaffected.
The Rathina Vinayagar temple, on the other hand, will undergo temporary relocation. The CMRL has coordinated with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department to identify a suitable site for the temple’s temporary relocation. Upon completion of the metro construction, CMRL will undertake the rebuilding of the temple at this identified location, ensuring that the religious sentiments of the local community are respected and preserved.
Furthermore, the CMRL has revised the alignment of the metro station’s entry and exit points to further protect the temple structures. The entry/exit points, which were initially planned to be near the temples, will now be relocated to the other side of the entrance tower within the premises of the United India Insurance building. This strategic adjustment aims to ensure that the temples remain accessible to worshippers while the metro project proceeds without significant disruption.
This move by CMRL reflects a sensitive approach to urban development, balancing the need for infrastructural growth with respect for the city’s cultural and religious landmarks. The decision to preserve these temples, while still progressing with the essential metro expansion, underscores the importance of maintaining harmony between development and heritage in Chennai’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. As Chennai continues to modernise its transportation infrastructure, the actions taken by CMRL demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that such progress does not come at the cost of the city’s rich cultural and religious history. This approach sets a precedent for future development projects in the region, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst urban growth.
