Chennai Metro Rail might be gearing up for inauguration of the second stretch, but Meenambakkam station, one of the important stations in the nine km stretch from Little Mount to Chennai airport to be opened later next month, is still lagging behind in construction.
According to sources in the Chennai Metro Rail project, the construction of Meenambakkam station has been delayed and it is not clear if it will be ready before the end of next month.
“It is going to be tough to complete the construction in time for inauguration. The delay in construction is mainly because we weren’t given enough number of hours to work on this site due to traffic congestion on GST Road leading to airport. Even if the station is not fully complete with all features, important passenger facilities will be put in place by the time it is opened,” an official said. However, a few other officials said the work was going according to schedule and the construction might be completed before the launch of the next stretch. “Work is almost over now in most of the stations; but in Meenambakkam, of course, it will be over sometime next month,” an official said.
It is to be noted that the final inspection of the next stretch from Little Mount to Chennai airport would be carried out by Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) next week. The first round of inspection was completed last month and officials from Research Designs and Standards Organisation found them fit for operations. These two inspections are mandatory before Metro Rail service is open to public.
In about ten years, Chennai Metro Rail estimates there will be 1,500 passengers passing through these two stations. But both Meenambakkam Metro Rail station and Nanganallur Metro Rail station will not have any escalators. Officials said this facility could not be provided due to inadequate land.
