TamilNadu Govt Approves Chennai Metro Link from Airport to Kilambakkam
The Tamil Nadu government has greenlit the first-phase extension of the Chennai Metro Rail, connecting Chennai Airport with the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in Kilambakkam. The project, which spans a total length of 15.46 kilometres, aims to bridge the gap between the city’s airport and its emerging inter-district transport hub.
Government Order Issued, DPR Sent to Centre
A Government Order dated April 17, 2025, outlines that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for approval. The project is proposed under an equity-sharing financial model and awaits final nod from the Central Government.
CMRL Authorised to Start Pre-Construction Work
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been authorised to initiate groundwork, including land acquisition and utility shifting. A total of 60 acres is needed for the corridor: 28 acres under private ownership and 32 acres under various government departments. Formal acquisition will begin once funding is allocated and public notifications are issued.
Double-Decker Design with Seamless Road-Rail Integration
The corridor will run as a double-decker system along GST Road, with an elevated road on the first level and the metro line on the second. This dual-layer structure is engineered to minimise land use while integrating both rail and road traffic. Intermediate ramps near Tambaram will provide direct links to the Outer Ring Road, and the alignment will lead directly into the Kilambakkam terminus. Future extension provisions towards Chengalpattu are also included in the plan.
Strategic Stations Along the Corridor
The new line will include 13 elevated stations at key locations such as Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, Vandalur, and others. The elevated alignment is set to reduce surface congestion and improve connectivity to under-served suburban pockets.
Project Timeline and Budget
The corridor is expected to be completed in three years at an estimated cost of Rs 9,335 crore. This revised figure includes the integrated elevated road component, making it a high-impact transport investment for southern Chennai.
Commuter Demand and Urban Expansion
Local residents have expressed concern over the delayed approval process and highlighted the rising need for better infrastructure in rapidly growing southern suburbs. The corridor is expected to offer a vital public transport solution for areas where property demand has surged due to affordability, despite lagging public infrastructure.
Regional Connectivity to Expand Further
In a parallel development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is also planning an 18-km elevated road from Kilambakkam to Mahindra City, which will further strengthen the southern corridor’s regional connectivity.
