Chennai: A few months ago, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) proposed an inter-modal hub under Kathipara flyover for the sake of enabling Metro trains to be accessible not only for the suburban residents but also to those living further outside by making sure buses of all State transport corporations halt at the spot.
But, what might possibly be a new development, CMRL is also planning to extend the Metro line all the way to Kilambakkam at Urapakkam where the proposed mega bus terminus is going to come up.
This means, the problem of State express buses taking a Himalayan time to cross the city every day is going to be totally avoided as the moment buses reach the new terminus, passengers can get down, board a Metro train and travel to any part of the city at the quickest possible time.
This project might also compliment the government proposal to construct a Mono Rail line between Kilambakkam and Velacheri.
Sources said CMRL has started initial processes to extent the line from the current Airport Station all the way to Kilambakkam. According to reports, the department has also initiated a feasibility study by floating tenders to find an agent for the job.
The line might just go over the the GST Road till the destination thereby addressing the long desire of Tambaram residents to get Metro train facility. The study might analyse several parameters like identifying the route, alignment, number of stations, their locations, land required, method of construction and number of commuters likely to use the service.
The detailed project report will follow up after the feasibility study become successful. Speaking to News Today, CMRL spokesperson said, “Nothing is finalised yet and we will confirm once things are more clear.”
Earlier this year, CMRL witnessed a rise in passengers up to 27 per cent recording 28,000 foot-falls in a week. When metro rails came into picture three years ago between CMBT and Alandur, the numbers of passengers were just around 10,000.
Again, when service was extended to Chennai airport, there was appreciable rise. But when the underground stretch between Thirumangalam to Nehru Park was opened around an year ago, the users rose to about 22,000 followed by an increase to 28,000 from this summer.
Looking at the pace with which CMRL is growing, any time soon, it has the capability to become one of the prime transportation means for the Chennaiites.
| CM’s assurance |
| Earlier this year, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami assured that metro rail services will be extended up to Kilambakkam. “A study will be conducted to extend the metro line up to the proposed mofussil bus terminus and integrate it with all rapid transport systems,” Palaniswami said during the inauguration of metro services between Central Metro and Nehru Park and from AG-DMS to Little Mount. |