Chennai: The metro rail path work between Porur and Vadapalani has been kick-started by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Last year, metro officials had announced that rail route between Kodambakkam and Poonamallee will be completed in three years.
As part of the project, initial works for erecting pillars and laying rail path has begun here at Porur. The total distance of the metro rail path between Porur and Vadapalani is said to be 9 km.
“We are happy that the metro works have started as this would help in easy commutation. This would also give significance to our area. As we all know, Porur is becoming a commercial hub and is a fast-developing area. So, metro rail is an added feather to our hat,” says Kandhavel, a resident here.
“We appreciate the plan, but the work should not be prolonged more than the proposed time. The roads are already congested, and motorists are finding it so difficult to take this route. Now the metro works will definitely cause more hindrance. So, the authorities should provide alternative routes for small and heavy vehicles appropriately. If a path is one-way, then traffic police should strictly see that commuters follow traffic rules,” says a motorist who takes this route.
Amidst this, there are some social activists who are urging authorities to remove encroachments on the roadside. “Already, commercial establishments have taken up half of the space on this route. Now, more barricades have been put up, and this will restrict the movement of vehicles. So the shops that are illegally occupying the roadside should be cleared,” says Senthil, an activist.
According to the CMRL officials, this project is expected to benefit thousands of people in and around Porur. Budgeted around Rs 3,850 crores, the metro station stops in Porur area will include Karambakkam, Porur junction, Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Iyyapanthangal bus depot and Kaatupakkam, and the route will extend till Poonamallee Bypass.