CHENNAI: Could the second phase of Chennai Metro Rail be extended to 123km? Sources in Chennai Metro Rail told City Express that there were suggestions to extend the three corridors under the Second Phase identified by Chennai Metro Rail by 35km.
The initial plan was to cover 88 km on the three corridors. This came after officials discussed extending the stretch by 12km linking Madhavaram with the Old Mahabalipuram Road stretch.
Officials are now looking at the possibility of extending the three corridors by a total of 123 km. The first phase (corridors one and two) are likely to be completed by 2017.
If the recommendations are implemented, the city is likely to have a total Chennai Metro Rail network of 168 km. Sources said the plan was to extend the third corridor by nine kilometres and extend it till Red Hills. This means that the entire third corridor in the second phase would be 50 km long.
Sources say it is too early to decide whether this could be an elevated or underground stretch, but this would reach the Puzhal and Red Hills residential areas. A clearer plan will emerge once the feasibility report is out. The fourth corridor, between Koyambedu and Light House will be extended till Poonamallee, adding 11km to the 14km corridor which will cross the Maduravoyal and Vanagaram residential areas. Sources say the stretch may be partially elevated. The fifth corridor, linking Madhavaram to Perumbakam, wili be extended till Wimco Nagar. This could mean that 14.7 km stretch will be added to the proposed 33 km stretch.
Sources also say the plan to extend the corridor to Wimco Nagar was suggested from an operational point of view as the depot is in Wimco Nagar. This would benefit residents of Manali New Town and Masilamani Nagar.