Chennai Metro’s Line-4 from Poonamallee Bypass to Parandur Airport
Chennai: Plans For 44-Km Metro Line to Parandur Airport
The Chennai Metro’s Line 4 is a proposed extension from Poonamallee to Parandur Airport, covering a distance of about 43.6 kilometers. The CMRL submitted a feasibility report for the expansion.
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to extend Chennai Metro’s Line-4 from Poonamallee Bypass to Parandur Airport with multiple stations within the upcoming airport’s boundary, per Economic Times.
chennai’s 26.1 km Line-4 connecting Light House to Poonamallee Bypass is currently under construction as part of the 116.1 km Chennai Metro phase 2 project. A consultant was appointed in April 2023 by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) to explore the feasibility of extending the line to Sriperumbudur, which I estimate would be anywhere from 15-17 km long.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded a contract to Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants Pvt Ltd for the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) for this line. The contract is valued at Rs 1.74 crore
According to a Times Of India report, the preparation of the DPR will involve drilling 100 boreholes for soil investigation and conducting a topographical survey using drones along the entire route. An extensive alignment study will be conducted during the DPR stage to determine the total number of stations and land requirements.
The state government has now decided to extend the line all the way to Chennai’s new greenfield airport in Parandur for which land acquisition of over 3700 acres and master plan design works are underway. I estimate the route from Poonamallee Bypass to Parandur will be roughly 40 km long, less than half of what (93 km) the Economic Times reported.
The proposed corridor will span approximately 43.63 km and include around 19 elevated metro stations. This line will extend corridor 4 of phase-2 from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass.
The DPR preparation takes into account recent developments such as the proposed new airport at Parandur, the proposed bus terminus at Thirumazhisai, and the future growth potential along the corridor.
The Union government has approved the development of Chennai’s second airport at the Parandur site.
Construction of the airport’s first phase is set to begin in January 2026 and conclude by December 2028. The subsequent phases will follow, with the final phase expected to be completed by December 2046.
Here’s my purely fictitious take on how its alignment running primarily along NH-48 may look like. There’s a possibility of it also running along the under construction 260 km Bengaluru Chennai Expressway between Sunguvarchatram and Parandur.
Stations between Poonamallee – Parandur are planned to be spaced 7-10 km apart, which to me is too high given the urban development expected to take place in the region. Stations on Bangalore Metro’s Blue Line, popularly known as Airport Line in Phase 2b, are spaced 3-5 km apart which is apt.
CMRL plans to procure trains capable of operating at higher speeds than regular metro trains, which usually have a design speed of 90 kmph. Multiple stations are expected within Parandur Airport where an aerocity with commercial, retail & hotel developments are planned, similar to the ones in Delhi,Bengaluru and Hyderabad.CMRL’s consultant plans to prepare an initial feasibility report by April 2024 suggesting the line’s alignment, estimated cost, projected ridership, station locations and numbers.
- Improved Connectivity: The new corridors will significantly improve connectivity for residents and commuters in these regions, offering faster and more convenient travel options.
- Enhanced Airport Access: The Parandur Airport line will provide seamless metro access to the upcoming airport, eliminating the need for long walks from the station to the terminals.
- Boosted Economic Development: The Avadi line will connect industrial areas and support economic growth in the region.
- Detailed Planning: CMRL has floated bids for preparing DPRs, which will include details on route alignment, station locations, train operations, and other crucial aspects. Completion is expected within 6-8 months.
There’s a long, long way to go for Parandur Airport’s land acquisition to be completed, its masterplan is finalized and construction work begins, so I don’t see construction on the metro line to it starting anytime prior to 2028 which itself will need to go through the regular motions of Detailed Project Report (DPR) creation, approvals and financing.
Plans For 44-Km Metro Line to Parandur Airport Likely Within A Year, May Have 19 Stations
In less than a year’s time, there may be a finalised plan for a metro link from Chennai’s Poonamallee Bypass to the upcoming airport at Parandur. According to officials, this metro line will be 43.63 km long and will have 19 stations. To prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the project, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has received bids from five companies.
