CHENNAI: The cost escalation of Chennai Metro Rail project has climbed further by more than Rs 5,000 crore even as Chennai Metro Rail has identified three more corridors for the second phase, according to director of projects R Ramanathan.
Ramanathan told Express that Chennai Metro Rail Project was conceived at a cost of Rs 14,700 crore in 2007 but now the project is worth Rs 20,000 when one works out the land cost. It could be 12,000 to 13,000 crore for the underground stretch and Rs 7,000 crore for the elevated stretch, he said. “We have yet to work out the cost over-run. It is too early,” he said.
However, it is believed the cost over-run could run into more than a thousand crore due to delay in the completion of the project. Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Rail has identified three corridors in the second phase. These include a total of 76 kilometre. The three, four and five corridors are from Koyambedu to Luz, Madhavaram to Velacherry and Madhavaram to Injambakkam (ECR).
“The work on the corridors will start once the state government gives its approval. The consultant is deciding on where all the stations would come,” said Ramanathan. Interestingly, metro rail had identified 10 corridors covering a distance of 300 km.
“However, work on the additional three corridors would be taken up in the second phase,” he said. Stating that city like Chennai by now should have 500km of metro network, he said Chennai Metro Rail wants to make travel simple by making metro rail available at all stretches.
“It should be either you walk or travel by metro,” said Ramanathan. He also said the three corridors (3,4 and 5) which were proposed would mostly be underground while inside city and elevated on the outskirts giving some relief to Chennaites fearing land acquisition by the government.
Interestingly, Chennai Metro Rail’s biggest challenge is to complete the work in Chennai Central which has been hit by litigations. Chennai Central would have four subways below 32 feet to 40 feet. This will link Rippon Building, GH and other vital areas.
There will also be a three level underground parking facility in Chennai central, he said. He also said the 500 metre stretch between OTA to Meenambakkam would be a underground stretch. “This will be more like a box like structure,” Ramanathan said.
New corridors:
Koyambedu to Luz
Madhavaram to Velachery
Madhavaram to Injambakkam (ECR)
Total Length: 76 km