T.N. govt. approves Chennai Metro Rail’s Airport-Kilambakkam project, forwards proposal to Centre

The need for this corridor has become particularly essential after the opening of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam in December 2023; thousands of people travel on this route to take buses from the terminus. File
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

After years of wait, the Tamil Nadu government has approved Chennai Metro Rail’s Airport-Kilambakkam project and has forwarded the detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre.

To be built at an estimated cost of ₹9,335 crore, the Airport-Kilambakkam corridor has been one of the most anticipated projects for Chennaiites, as it would significantly improve the commute for those residing in the city’s southern areas, such as Chromepet, Pallavaram, Tambaram, and Perungalathur.

The need for this corridor has become particularly essential after the opening of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam in December 2023; thousands of people travel on this route to take buses from the terminus.

The Airport-Kilambakkam corridor will be constructed entirely as an elevated stretch along GST Road, covering a distance of 15.46 km. Stations are to come up in the following locations: Pallavaram, Chromepet, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Anna Zoological Park, and Kilambakkam.

Land acquisition

Sources said the government has recommended the DPR to the Centre “for its approval and funding under equity sharing basis.” The land acquisition and shifting of utilities will begin soon. “To begin the land acquisition process, we need yet another notification, which will take six months. Once that comes through, the acquisition process can commence, but it could go on for at least a year and a half. But shifting of utilities can start within a few months,” a source said. The project will need approval from the Centre by then so that construction can begin.

There were quite a lot of delays in this project due to design changes. Now, according to the final proposal, Chennai Metro Rail’s Airport-Kilambakkam corridor is proposed at the second level and the elevated road at the first level.

Commuters say those residing in the southern areas find it difficult to reach the nearest Chennai Metro Rail station — the Chennai airport station — due to lack of adequate last-mile connectivity vehicles. For some, it could cost as much as ₹100-200, based on the distance, if they take an auto.

Dayanand Krishnan, a resident of Chitlapakkam said, people have waited for over four years for the approval of this project. In the meantime, the number of vehicles has gone up and congestion has increased manifold, especially after the opening of the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus.

“The design revisions and bureaucratic delays end up causing inconvenience to the public. I am glad that State’s approval has come, but the Centre should also provide the final approval and funding without any further delays,” he said.

He said, over the years, people have moved to areas like Chromepet, Tambaram, and Perungalathur, as paying rent and purchasing properties is affordable there in comparison to the core areas of the city. “But when compared to the growth, the investment in infrastructure in these areas seems far too inadequate,” he added.