Chennai Metro Rail Limited has agreed to have two stabling lines less at its depot-cum-workshop in Koyambedu. This is in response to an appeal by traders to reduce the land to be acquired in the Koyambedu vegetable market for the depot.
The proposed reduction in the number of stabling lines is expected to minimise the number of shops that have to be demolished, according to sources in the CMDA.
Two depots have been proposed in phase I of the project. The Koyambedu depot-cum-workshop will be the main one and located on the Chennai Central-St. Thomas Mount corridor.
It will be used for stabling of trains, their cleaning, scheduled inspections, wheel re-profiling, major repairs and overhaul, says a senior official of CMRL. The depot will have a yard and inspection shed, among other facilities. At least 14 stabling lines have been planned. The inspection shed will have four lines.
Confirming that CMRL has decided to reduce the number of stabling lines, the senior official says an assessment on the land needed will be conducted shortly.
The second depot has been planned at Meenambakkam on the Airport-Washermenpet corridor for stabling and inspection.
Following the demarcation of land at Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex for the Metro Rail depot a few months ago, traders represented to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to make alternative arrangements that will not affect their shops and livelihood.
The land acquisition was expected to affect 100 shops and also affect the loading and unloading of vegetables involving over 500 vehicles daily. A Government Order issued for the depot earmarked 30 hectares in Koyambedu from the CMDA.
According to officials of the CMRL, the depot coming up at a cost of Rs.198.1 crore will have facilities for at least 56 rakes. CMRL awarded the contract for construction of the depot in November last year.
