Phase II Metrorail corridors to run underground for 42.6 km

According to a detailed project report (DPR) prepared by Chennai MetrorailLimited (CMRL), the three corridors will be Madhavaram to Siruseri SIPCOT, Light House to Poonamallee Bypass and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur.

Madhavaram to Siruseri SIPCOT would cover 45.8 km, of which 26.7 km would run underground. Light House to Poonamallee line and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur line would cover 26.1 km and 47 km. The three corridors would cost Rs 29,192crore, Rs 14,761 crore and Rs 16,382 crore respectively as per the estimation made based on the rates of materials in December 2018.

However, the total project cost is estimated to escalate up to Rs 69,180 crore in 2025-2026, when the CMRL intends to complete the project, the detailed project report said.

Presently, the CMRL has completed Metrorail lines around 35 km of the total 54 km proposed in Phase I. Phase I has two corridors – Washermenpet to Airport (23.08 km), Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount (23.085 km) and the extension from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar (9 km).

The DPR has also considered the public and private land along the three corridors and estimated land acquisition extending up to 120.9882 hectares. Of the total land, 27.1931 hectares belong to private parties. “CMRL would spend Rs 9,884 crore for land acquisition and resettlement and rehabilitation of private landowners. We willappoint a consultant to assess the implementation of resettlement and rehabilitation,” an official said.

The design speed of Phase II Metrorail is 80 kmph, but the operational speed would be maintained at 32 kmph. The detailed project report estimated 1,309 properties that would be affected during the construction, of which 104 are residential properties. Also, as many as 2,865 families would be affected.

“During the construction, as many as 2,043 trees are estimated to be damaged and mitigation measures will the taken,” the official added.