CMRL plans 11-storeyed commercial complex

CMRL has invited bids to construct the multi-storied structure, which includes two basements for car parking facilities and ground plus 11 floor building.

The plan is to construct the building on the 41,861 square feet of land available with it at Ekkaduthangal. “The present need is to develop this vacant land as commercial space and for retail business as these areas are very busy in commercial activities and there will be good business response,” said a senior CMRL official.

The construction of the shopping-cum-office building is part of the Metro’s strategy to increase its non-fare box revenue by developing commercial complexes on the prime lands owned by it. “There will be a huge space available for parking at the basement for both passengers arriving to the station as well as those visiting the building. The lower levels will be for retail while the upper levels will be for the office space,” the official said, adding that the construction of the building would be completed in 18 months from the date of awarding contract.

CMRL has already started work on constructing a 31-storey building as part of the Central Square near the MGR Chennai Central railway station. The Central Square has been planned in such a way that commuters can seamlessly switch from one mode of transport to another, with exclusive bus bays, underground parking lots, option to travel from MRTS, suburban, Metro Rail or outstation trains.

At Shenoy Nagar station, works are under way to construct a two-level, underground commuters’ amenities centre spread across more than 4.26 lakh square feet right under the Thiru Vi Ka Park.