Chennai: The development of the metro rail link from Poonamallee to the new greenfield airport at Parandur is set to progress significantly with the identification of the firm responsible for preparing the detailed project report (DPR).
Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants Pvt Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder for this critical task. The DPR is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024. The 43.63-kilometre metro extension will feature 19 stations, offering a seamless connection from the city to the new airport. According to officials, the DPR will encompass all essential details, including the line’s length, corridor type, station locations, train specifications, overall cost, first and last-mile connectivity, and projected ridership. The total cost of the project was previously estimated at ₹10,712 crore. An official highlighted that the DPR contract stipulates a six-month completion deadline.
This new metro line is an extension of the 26.1 km Lighthouse-Poonamallee Bypass corridor-4 of phase-2, parts of which are expected to become operational by late 2025. During the feasibility study, the proposed stations included Poonamallee, Nazarathpet Police Checkpost, Chembarambakkam, Thirumazhisai township, Pappanchathiram, Chettipedu, Thandalam, Sipcot Irungattukottai, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Irungulam Industrial Area, Mambakkam, Thirumangalam, Sunguvarchatram, Santhavelur, Pillai Chattiram, Neervalur, and Parandur airport.
Tidco’s map indicates that Parandur airport might have one metro station on the city side and another near the passenger terminal. Unlike the city stations, which are typically 1 km apart, the stations along this new stretch may be spaced further apart to accommodate higher train speeds.
Once operational, the metro rail link to Parandur will allow passengers to reach the new airport directly by metro train. Additionally, passengers can travel from the existing airport at Meenambakkam to the new Parandur airport by switching corridors at Alandur and Alapakkam metro stations. The first phase of the Parandur airport, including a domestic terminal, an international terminal, and a runway, is targeted for completion by 2029. In preparation for this project, officials have finalised a tentative design and issued a notice for land acquisition. The integration of this metro link with the new airport infrastructure is poised to enhance connectivity and support the region’s burgeoning transportation needs, reflecting a significant step forward in Chennai’s urban development strategy.
