Chennai: The city’s upcoming Phase-2 Metro stations could offer more than just train travel, with CMRL planning retail, commercial and office spaces integrated with the entry and exit structures of 13 underground stations.
CMRL has floated two tenders to appoint detailed design consultants (DDCs) for the integrated property developments in stations along corridors 3 and 4. Together, the proposed developments will have a built-up area of about 33,486 sqm (3.6 lakh sqft), allowing both commuters and the public to directly access commercial spaces from station entrances.
Stations Covered
The project covers stations, including Chetpet, Sterling Road, Royapettah Government Hospital, Nungambakkam, Dr R K Salai and Adyar Depot on corridor-3, and Kutchery Road, Alwarpet, Bharathidasan Road, Boat Club and Nandanam on corridor-4.
Design and Layout
Depending on the location, the developments will range from ground+1 to ground+6 floors, with retail and commercial activity planned around station-access levels and office spaces on upper floors. “The property development building shall be planned and designed for the entire given plot area, which is to be integrated with the above-ground portion of the metro station entry and exit structure,” CMRL said in the tender document. Tender drawings indicate retail and commercial units flanking station entrances, passageways and common lobbies, allowing commuters to move through commercial spaces while accessing lifts, escalators and concourse levels. At Adyar Depot, for instance, a 546.52-sqm retail-commercial space has been proposed alongside the station entrance. Parking facilities have also been planned, with drawings indicating 11 car parking spaces at Adyar Depot and varying parking levels at other locations depending on site constraints.
Consultant Role
The consultant will prepare detailed designs for the buildings, amenities, landscaping, signage and circulation plans. CMRL has already appointed consultants for similar developments at stations, including Madhavaram High Road, Sembiyum, Ayanavaram, Otteri, Perambur Barracks Road, Purasawalkam and Thirumayilai.
Expert Views
Transport experts said such developments are essential to generate non-fare revenue but should provide adequate parking and minimise impact on surrounding neighbourhoods. Former CMRL director R Ramanathan has said metro-linked property development is critical to meeting operational costs and repaying project loans, while higher ridership after Phase-2 opens is expected to improve demand for commercial spaces.
