Chennai Metro Phase-II Poonamallee-Vadapalani Corridor Set for Early Commissioning
In a significant development for urban transit in Tamil Nadu, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced during his interim budget speech on Tuesday that the Chennai Metro Phase-II stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani is likely to be commissioned soon. This marks a crucial step forward in enhancing the city's public transportation infrastructure.
Regulatory Clearances and Project Details
The minister elaborated that regulatory clearances from the railway board for commissioning the first stage of Phase-II – the 14.6-kilometer Poonamallee Bypass–Porur corridor – are expected shortly. This corridor will be seamlessly integrated with the existing metro line at Vadapalani, featuring 11 stations along the route. The entire Phase-II project, spanning 118.9 kilometers with three corridors, is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹63,246 crore, underscoring its scale and importance.
Financial Strain and State-Centre Funding Dispute
Thenarasu highlighted a pressing financial concern, stating that the state government has incurred ₹9,500 crore towards what he described as the Union government's share under the agreed 50:50 funding model. This expenditure continues to be reflected in the state's outstanding debt, adversely affecting the debt-GSDP ratio and reducing Tamil Nadu's ability to borrow within permissible limits, thus impacting liquidity. "Despite repeated reminders, the Union government has not acted upon our request," he emphasized, pointing to ongoing delays in federal support.
Push for Metro Projects in Coimbatore and Madurai
Turning to other cities, the minister recalled that the Centre sent back the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for metro proposals in Coimbatore and Madurai, citing that their populations are below 20 lakh. "The government of Tamil Nadu is continuously urging the Union Government to reconsider this decision and to accord approval for the metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, as has been done for other similarly placed cities in the country," he asserted, advocating for equitable treatment in infrastructure development.
Future Extensions and Pending Approvals
In addition to the current projects, Thenarasu noted that in-principle approval has been granted for several metro rail extensions in Chennai, pending Union government approval and assistance. These include routes from Chennai airport to Kilambakkam, Koyambedu to Avadi, and Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathiram, indicating a broader vision for expanding the metro network to cater to growing urban demands.
The announcements underscore Tamil Nadu's commitment to advancing metro rail infrastructure, while also highlighting the financial and bureaucratic challenges in securing central support for key projects across the state.
