CMRL to do feasibility study on Airport to Kilambakkam route

According to a CMRL official, the work order was issued to the Larsen and Turbo Infrastructure Engineering Limited, who will submit the report in another 2.5 months. “We will be able to finalise various elements, including the number of alignments, stations and other components, only after the completion of the study,” the official said.

Upon the implementation of the project, commuters from Kilambakkam bus terminus can board Metro without much hassle. Indirectly, commuters from southern suburban areas will also be benefitted, owing to its proximity to Kilambakkam.

Currently, travellers from Pallavaram, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and beyond are commuting in the Metro till Chennai Airport station only. Metro station at the airport aids as a transit-hub for the residents of these areas.

The agency is expected to study various parameters, including identification of routes from airport to Kilambakkam, alignment, number of stations and their locations, land required, method of construction and number of commuters likely to use the service. After the completion of the study, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be submitted to the government for sanctioning of required funds. At present, the Metro rail connects Airport Metro station to Washermanpet via Chennai Central on the Blue line and the last leg of Phase I connects AG-DMS to Washermanpet.

Meanwhile, a soil test is being conducted at various stretches, including Madhavaram Colony to Sholinganallur, extending up to CMBT. Phase II is considered vital as it connects various important places in the city, including Adyar, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), Iyappanthangal, Poonamallee and areas in north Madras, including Villivakkam and Perambur Market.