CUMTA uveils 25-year public transport master plan

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has unveiled an ambitious 25-year public transport master plan set to transform mobility across the Chennai metropolitan region. With lakhs of residents depending on various modes such as suburban trains, city buses, metro rail, and AC electric trains, this comprehensive roadmap aims to upgrade connectivity and commuter convenience significantly. The plan highlights extensive new infrastructure projects including the installation of 346 new bus stops and construction of 30 additional bus depots to expand city bus services. Metro rail will see major expansion with new routes such as Tambaram to Adyar and Perungalathur to Madhavaram. Additionally, Neo Metro corridors will be introduced on routes connecting Koyambedu to Poonamallee, Pallavaram to Kundrathur, and Vandalur to Kelambakkam, enhancing rapid urban transit options.Suburban rail networks are also slated for growth with proposals for routes like Ennore to Singaperumal Kovil and Sriperumbudur to Kanchipuram, further integrating the expanding suburbs. A nod to heritage transportation comes with plans for modern tram services along the Thyagaraya Nagar to Light House corridor.A pioneering element of the plan includes a two-phase Water Metro system connecting Chennai Central with Kovalam and Mamallapuram to leverage waterways for commuter transport. Additionally, a futuristic air taxi network is proposed, operating speeds up to 240 km/h, with planned routes linking Chennai Port, Parandur, Mamallapuram, and extending toward Tirupati, heralding a new era in aerial connectivity. These multi-modal transport initiatives aim to create a seamless, integrated ecosystem that incorporates road, rail, water, and air travel to reduce traffic congestion, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support Chennai’s rapid urban growth. Alongside infrastructure, digital integration via unified ticketing and mobility platforms will facilitate smoother transitions across transport modes. CUMTA’s 25-year master plan represents a visionary leap toward making Chennai’s transport system more sustainable, efficient, and commuter-friendly, positioning the city as a benchmark for smart urban mobility in India. The blueprint awaits government approval to commence implementation, promising to reshape Chennai’s mobility landscape for decades to come. @@@