The Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) has announced that the elevated stretch between St Thomas Mount and Adambakkam, which is a part of the phase II project, will be ready by 2027.
The 4-km stretch is a part of Corridor 5, which is one of the three corridors in the Phase II project.
The Phase II project is estimated to cost Rs 61,843 crore and includes corridors from Madhavaram to SIPCOT (corridor 3), Light House to Poonamallee (corridor 4), and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5).
CMRL officials have emphasised the importance of completing this small stretch at the earliest as it will benefit a large number of people in the localities of St Thomas Mount and Adambakkam. These two stations are crucial for the commuters in the area.
“We understand the inconvenience caused to the commuters due to the delay in the completion of this stretch. However, we are working tirelessly to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible,” said a CMRL spokesperson, reports The Hindu.
The delay is due to various factors, including land acquisition and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to officials, constructing an elevated stretch is progressing quickly, but building a small four km stretch will be challenging and time-consuming compared to an underground station or tunnel.
An official stated that the alignment will pass through narrow and congested roads, with several structures located very close to it, requiring caution during construction.
The official also mentioned that construction will be carried out in conjunction with Southern Railway, as the MRTS proposed extension line and Metro Rail line will share a common alignment for this small stretch. Despite the time-consuming process, they aim to complete it within four years.
Officials confirmed that the Poonamallee to Porur elevated stretch will be the first to open after three years, while this small stretch will be the last to be completed in 2027 among all the elevated stretches under the Phase II project.