CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday inaugurated a Rs 3.5-crore urban recreation hub at the Chennai Metro Rail headquarters in Nandanam.
The facility—comprising a landscaped Metro Park, badminton courts and pickleball courts has been developed by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) on a 3,750 sq metre parcel that includes both its own land and open space reservation (OSR) land owned by the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Udhayanidhi Stalin said the new facility would enhance access to safe, inclusive and environmentally responsible public spaces in the city.
The complex includes three badminton courts, two open-air pickleball courts and an outdoor gym. Supporting infrastructure comprises a 370-metre walking track, eight-foot-wide pedestrian pathways, a dedicated children’s play area, drinking water points, toilets, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and parking for two-wheelers and cars.
The facility will be open to the public daily from 5 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Twenty rainwater harvesting structures have been installed across the site, along with three compost pits to process garden waste and leaf litter generated within the park.
The event was attended by Chennai mayor R Priya, senior state officials, and top executives of CMRL, signalling the growing emphasis on transport-linked urban commons as part of Chennai’s long-term city planning framework.