Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has begun razing down buildings near Chennai Central station as part of its ongoing construction work.
A few days ago, CMRL started pulling down two hotels opposite the station after a protracted legal battle with its owners. Almost a month ago, the Madras High Court gave the nod for CMRL to take over this piece of land. Construction is set to begin here soon, according to CMRL officials.
“We have handed over the land to the contractor and soon after the demolition, the construction work for Chennai Central Metro station will commence,” an official said.
The station, spread over 70,000 sq.m, will be the largest underground Metro Rail station in Chennai.
The plot of land that CMRL has taken over may accommodate a ventilation shaft (an air passage to facilitate ventilation underground) and other supplementary equipment needed for the working of this station. One of the six entry/ exits of the Chennai Central Metro station could also be located there. The mega station is being planned as an inter-modal exchange spot, also keeping in mind the air travellers who might be arriving at the Central Railway Station. An airport check-in facility is being planned at this station.
For the Chennai Central Metro station alone, CMRL plans to create a parking space for about 500 cars and 1000 two-wheelers but it is not clear now if this piece of land will be used for creating parking space.
