The train services will benefit residents and commuters on Old Mahabalipuram Road, potentially revolutionising the public transport system for employees working in software companies.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) intends to operate from Nehru Nagar in Perungudi to Siruseri by 2027. The 20-km span is part of the phase II project that falls under Corridor 3, from Madhavaram to SIPCOT covering a distance of 45.4 km.
The expansion of Metro Phase II consists of three corridors, namely Corridor-3 from Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.8 km), Corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass (26.1 km), Corridor-5 from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (47 km).
Commuters will be able to access numerous stations along the way, including Nehru Nagar, Kandhanchavadi, Perungudi, Thoraipakkam, Mettukuppam, PTC Colony, Okkiyampet, Karapakkam, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, Sholinganallur Lake I Metro, Sholinganallur Lake II Metro, Semmancheri I Metro, Semmencheri II Metro, Gandhi Nagar, Navalur, Siruseri, Siruseri SIPCOT I Metro, and Siruseri SIPCOT II Metro.
The train services will benefit residents and commuters on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), potentially revolutionising the public transport system for employees working in software companies.
The CMRL officials confirmed an underground line from Madhavaram to Taramani and an elevated stretch to the last station at SIPCOT, Siruseri.
According to an official, constructing an elevated stretch and stations proves to be quicker compared to an underground section. Two tenders were divided for the stretch from Nehru Nagar to Sholinganallur and Sholinganallur to SIPCOT, which were awarded last year.
Additionally, a small depot comprising 8-10 stabling lines must be constructed beforehand for train maintenance and basic repairs before the stretch can be opened for commuters, he added.
Construction work has commenced at various spots along OMR and is expected to be completed by early 2027.
The OMR stretch is part of the phase II project to alleviate the long hours spent commuting from this area to different parts of the city.
Despite being a high-benefit stretch, commuters may have to wait for four more years before it is opened.