The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, and Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal recently reviewed the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project, which is set to cost INR 63,246 crore. The central government will finance nearly 65 per cent of this amount, including a loan of INR 33,593 crore. Currently, Phase 1 serves over 310,000 passengers daily across 54.1 km. Phase 2, once operational, will extend the network to approximately 172 km. Key officials participated in the review, highlighting ongoing efforts to expedite the project and seek funding for additional Metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, along with the Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, recently conducted a review of the Chennai Metrorail Phase 2 project, which has an estimated cost of INR 63,246 crore and was recently approved by the central government. After the meeting, CM Stalin informed reporters that the state government has requested Manohar Lal to expedite the release of the Centre's funds for the Phase 2 project.
During the review, Stalin highlighted that work on the Phase 2 project, which encompasses 118.9 km across three corridors, is progressing rapidly, with INR 19,229 crore already spent. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the central government for acknowledging his request and approving Phase 2 as a central sector project. The Chief Minister indicated that his government is making every effort to ensure the work is completed within the specified deadline.
As per Chennai Metro Rail, the completion of the Phase 2 project is expected by the end of 2026. An official statement mentioned that the Union Minister was requested to prioritize proposals related to the Chennai Airport-Kilambakkam line and to implement Metrorail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.
Kilambakkam, located on the outskirts of the city, is home to a bus terminus that can accommodate over 2,000 buses, which was inaugurated by CM Stalin last year. Earlier this month, the Union Cabinet approved the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project as a 'Central sector' initiative. With this approval, the central government will finance nearly 65 per cent of the estimated cost for the Chennai Metro Phase 2 project.
The central government has stated that this financing will cover the entire required loan of INR 33,593 crore, in addition to the equity and subordinate debt amounting to INR 7,425 crore. The remaining 35 per cent of the estimated cost will be funded by the state government.
CM Stalin, in a post on social media platform X, expressed that he had the pleasure of meeting the Hon'ble Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss the progress of the Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II project. He conveyed the government's gratitude to the Union Government for accepting his request and approving the 118.9 km expansion while providing an update on their efforts to ensure its rapid implementation. He also sought the Union Government's support for funding the Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.
The two corridors under Phase 1, covering 54.1 km, currently cater to over 310,000 passengers on average every day. Once Phase 2 becomes operational, the Chennai Metro Rail network will span approximately 172 km, connecting various areas. The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, Additional Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, D. Thara, and senior officials.
The Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project represents a significant step forward for urban transportation in Tamil Nadu, with the central government's commitment to financing a substantial portion of its cost. The project aims to enhance connectivity across the city, ultimately accommodating a growing number of passengers. With the ongoing collaboration between state and central authorities, as well as the engagement of key officials, there is a strong focus on expediting its implementation. The successful completion of this project, alongside proposed expansions in Coimbatore and Madurai, will greatly improve public transport infrastructure in the region.
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