Chennai Metro Trains to traverse through 12-storey building

Chennai is set to witness a groundbreaking transformation in its urban landscape as the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) unveils ambitious plans for transit-oriented development in three key locations during the upcoming Phase II metro expansion. The highlight of this visionary initiative is the integration of metro stations within 12-storey buildings at Thirumangalam, Koyambedu, and Thirumayilai. Inspired by similar developments in China where metro trains seamlessly pass through buildings, the CMRL aims to redefine urban commuting experiences in Chennai. In these innovative structures, metro stations will be strategically located on the third floor, while the remaining floors will house commercial and office spaces, ushering in a new era of efficient land use and urban connectivity. At Thirumangalam, a 12-storey building is currently under construction, signaling the pioneering nature of this transit-oriented development. The project involves the acquisition of a 450-meter-long land parcel and three houses near the Thirumangalam flyover. While initially, there was a plan to build an integrated walkway with the metro station over the flyover, ongoing studies are considering the removal of the flyover to optimize traffic flow. The second phase of the Chennai Metro project, designed to connect suburban areas, is progressing at full tilt. Encompassing a distance of 119 km and estimated at a cost of Rs 69,000 crore, this phase encompasses three routes: Madhavaram-Sirucherry, Poonamalle-Vivekananda Illam, and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. Upon completion, the metro stations will be seamlessly integrated with MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) bus stops, allowing commuters to effortlessly switch between metro and bus services. Every metro station on Phase II will be strategically located within 50 to 100 meters of a bus stop, facilitating seamless connectivity. In a move to enhance the overall transit experience, CMRL is finalizing