Chennai, Sept 15:
The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation is planning a seven-storey commercial complex near Arumbakkam Metro station as part of its efforts to increase non-fare revenue by commercially utilising land along the Metro network.
The proposed complex will come up on around 17,872 sq ft of land behind the Arumbakkam Metro station. The building will have a total built-up area of approximately 34,206 sq ft and is expected to house offices, shops and restaurants.
A four-level automated mechanical parking facility is also planned in the basement and ground-floor areas. The site is located along Jawaharlal Nehru Road, with the Cooum River on the other side.
The project is part of a larger Phase-II plan to develop around 12 lakh sq ft of commercial space along Metro Corridors 3, 4 and 5. Commercial developments are progressing or planned at Mandaveli, Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, Thirumangalam, Sembium, Perambur Barracks, Purasawalkam, Chetpet, Boat Club, Kacheri Road and Alwarpet.
Officials and urban planning experts have, however, stressed the need for adequate parking and traffic management around such commercial complexes to prevent congestion.