Chennai, Oct 27:
Chennai airport’s proposed fifth terminal, or Terminal 5 (T5), could be connected to the existing airport infrastructure through a metro rail extension, an underground monorail or a road link, as the State government examines options to improve access to the planned facility.
The proposed terminal is planned on the western side of the airport, in the space between its two runways, and is expected to handle around 20 million passengers annually. The project remains at an early planning stage, with detailed design and connectivity arrangements yet to be finalised.
Under the options being examined, Chennai Metro Rail’s proposed extension from the airport towards Parandur, via Tiruneermalai and Sriperumbudur, could be revised to terminate at T5. An underground monorail is another possibility. A detailed project report is expected to assess the alternatives before a final decision is taken.
Authorities are also exploring a direct connection between the proposed terminal, GST Road and the existing airport terminals. Such a link could help passengers transfer between terminals more conveniently and reduce the need to take longer road routes.
Separately, the National Highways Authority of India has proposed a four- or six-lane expressway linking T5 with the Tambaram–Maduravoyal bypass. The proposal includes a cloverleaf interchange at Tharapakkam and a connection to the Outer Ring Road. The road link is also expected to improve cargo movement from the Sriperumbudur industrial belt.
The proposed connectivity projects are part of a wider effort to increase Chennai airport’s capacity and ease congestion around its existing access points. The airport’s fifth-terminal plan is expected to expand passenger-handling capacity, but the transport options, alignments, costs and implementation schedules remain subject to further study and approval.