The construction of ten elevated metro stations along Chennai’s Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) IT corridor, spanning from Taramani to Sholinganallur, has officially commenced.
This 10-kilometre segment, a crucial part of the city’s ambitious phase-2 metro project, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for commuters in the bustling tech hub Currently, workers are actively constructing pillars for these stations, strategically positioned below the viaduct where the metro tracks will be laid. Concurrently, land acquisition processes are underway to facilitate the construction of station entry and exit points. This section, anticipated to be operational by next year, is integral to the broader 45.4-kilometre Corridor-3, extending from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri Sipcot.
A senior official from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) highlighted the swift progress on this stretch, noting the completion of 191 out of the planned 449 pillars. Additionally, 65 of the 450 ‘U’ girders, essential for laying the tracks, have been installed. The elevated line, rising between 13 to 24 metres above the road, promises to be a landmark development in the city’s infrastructure landscape. “Actual building of the station may start in June before the start of the southwest monsoon. We also have completed the casting of 136 of the 450 ‘U’ girders required for the stretch,” he said.
Previously, CMRL Managing Director M.A. Siddique announced that the initial segment of the 116.1-kilometre phase-2 project is slated to open in 2025, with the final segments targeted for completion by 2028. The OMR IT corridor will eventually be linked by a 20-kilometre elevated line from Taramani to Siruseri Sipcot. This stretch has been divided into two sections with separate contracts. While the Taramani to Sholinganallur line is progressing steadily, construction on the Sholinganallur to Siruseri Sipcot segment has faced delays due to contractual issues.
This metro expansion is poised to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a seamless transit option for thousands of daily commuters in Chennai’s IT corridor. The ongoing construction underscores the city’s commitment to bolstering its public transport infrastructure, aiming to offer a more efficient and reliable commuting experience.
