CMRL begins land survey for airport to Kilambakkam line

CMRL has already completed the feasibility study on the extension of the Washermenpet-airport corridor till Kilambakkam where the new bus terminus is proposed. The proposed corridor would be completely elevated stretch running a total distance of 15.3 km along the GST road with around 13 stations.

According to sources in the CMRL, the Metro has started the land survey for the airport-Kilambakkam stretch to map land and buildings on alignment route. “The land survey is part of the detailed project report to identify the land required for the project and land required during the construction phase. This will make it easy when the notices are issued to the land and building owners for acquisition,” the official said.

The 13 stations proposed in the airport-Kilambakkam corridor are Pallavaram, Chrompet, MEPZ, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Perungalathur, RMK Nagar, Vandalur, Vandalur Zoo and Kilambakkam.

If Metro Rail is extended up to Kilambakkam, commuters arriving at the proposed bus terminus could board a metro train to any of the transit hubs. The phase-1 of the 45-km Metro runs in two corridors – Central to St Thomas Mount and Washermenpet to airport and works are underway to extend the corridor till WIMCO from Washermenpet.

In May 2018, Chief Minister Palaniswami announced that metro rail services will be extended up to Kilambakkam. “A study will be conducted to extend the metro line up to the proposed mofussil bus terminus and integrate it with all rapid transport systems,” the CM said during the inauguration of metro services between Central Metro and Nehru Park and from AG-DMS to Little Mount.