The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of the Chennai Metro project, which will expand the metro network by 119 kilometers at an estimated cost of Rs.63,246 crore. This decision marks the end of months of delays in advancing the project.

Sources indicate that the approval process for such a significant investment took place remarkably quickly, with the project receiving clearance within just 24 hours. This swift approval is unusual given the project's size and the involvement of multiple ministries.

The second phase will feature 128 stations and is expected to be completed by 2027. Once fully operational, the total length of Chennai's metro network will reach 173 kilometers.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his congratulations to the people of Chennai and Tamil Nadu on social media, stating that this approval will help ease traffic congestion, enhance sustainability, and promote economic growth.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin thanked the Prime Minister for considering his request made during a recent meeting, expressing confidence that the project will be completed promptly. He noted that the longstanding demand of the Tamil Nadu residents has finally been addressed.

Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the cabinet's approval, highlighting Modi’s consistent commitment to ensuring that Tamil Nadu receives its fair share, which he believes was overlooked during the previous UPA government.

The funding for this infrastructure project will come from both the Central and Tamil Nadu governments, with additional loans from multilateral funding agencies.

The second phase will include three main corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT, Light House to Poonamallee Bypass, and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. These corridors will enhance connectivity across Chennai, linking major areas from north to south and east to west.

Of the total corridor length, 64% will be elevated, while 36% will be underground. The design speed for the network is set at 80 km/h, with a scheduled speed of 32 km/h.

The Union Ministry announced that once the second phase becomes operational, it will increase the metro's capacity to accommodate an additional 1.3 million passengers daily. The new phase will also integrate with various transportation modes, including suburban rail and intercity bus terminals at 21 locations, as well as connect with the existing Phase-I network at seven points.

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