Chennai, Aug 13:
The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL) has initiated a feasibility study for a proposed Water Metro service connecting Ennore and Mamallapuram along the Buckingham Canal.
The proposed water transport corridor will cover around 53 km and is aimed at providing an alternative public transport option for commuters while improving connectivity between northern Chennai and areas along the city’s southern outskirts.
CMRL has floated a tender to prepare a detailed feasibility study report for the project. The study will assess the technical and operational feasibility of running passenger boat services along the proposed corridor.
It will examine various aspects, including the alignment of the waterway, requirements for terminals, passenger facilities, infrastructure and other supporting facilities needed to operate the service.
The proposed Ennore-Mamallapuram corridor could connect several important locations along the Buckingham Canal and provide an additional mode of transport for commuters.
If found feasible and implemented, the Water Metro could complement the existing Chennai Metro, suburban rail and Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus services, providing commuters with more options for travel.
The feasibility study is expected to assess the challenges involved in developing the water transport corridor and determine the infrastructure and operational requirements.
Officials will take a decision on the implementation of the proposed Chennai Water Metro based on the findings of the detailed feasibility study.