December 02, 2008

Work on Chennai Metro to start in July 2008

Dr E Sreedharan MD of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said that work on the first phase of the Chennai Metro is expected to start in July 2008, with tenders being floated for the same in the next 2 months.

The project, to be completed in 2 phases in about 6 years and encompassing 2 lines in the first phase, will be built on standard gauge, unlike the Delhi Metro that is built on broad gauge.

Dr Sreedharan said that phase I of the project, extending over 23 kilometer, will start from Washermanpet through Broadway, Central Station, Mount Road, Teynampet, Guindy, Kathipara Junction and end at the Chennai Airport. About 14 kilometer of this line, from Teynampet to the Airport, will be an elevated section, the rest being underground. It is this section for which work is expected to commence first and will be completed in about 3 years.

The second line under phase I will extend for 22 kilometer starting from Central Station via Poonamallee, Egmore, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Inner ring road, Kathipara junction and end at St. Thomas Mount. An interchange facility for switching lines with those of the railways will be available at Alandur, St. Thomas Mount and Central Station.

The total cost of the first phase is estimated at about INR 11,000 crore, all of which will be financed through debt and loans. A special purpose vehicle called Chennai Metro Rail Limited has been floated by the state and centre with 50% investment each to carry out the project. This entity will contribute about 40% to the project cost, the rest being financed by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.