Phase II of Chennai Metro Rail is all set to get an impetus as a feasibility study for this project will soon begin.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has invited tenders from consultancy services that can carry out the feasibility study and prepare a report for the second phase.
The study may begin in about two months and will be completed by early next year, the official said.
ADVERTISEMENT
This study will be extensive, similar to the Second Master Plan of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), and will aid the CMRL in building further corridors, according to an official of CMRL. The study will cover the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) of 1189 sq. km.
According to the estimates of Second Master Plan, in 2026, the city’s and CMA’s population would be 58.55 lakh and 125.82 lakh respectively. Hence, to meet the traffic demand, in addition to the 45-km phase I network of Chennai Metro Rail, the second phase was planned. Phase II, estimated to cost Rs. 36,000 crore, is likely to have three corridors — Madhavaram to Light House (17 km), Koyambedu to Injambakkam (27 km) and Madhavaram to Perumbakkam (32 km).
“In this study, we will look at other potential corridors too. If there are areas which demand mass rapid transit, we may slightly change the plan. Essentially, this study will help us chalk out another eight-nine Metro Rail corridors,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
The study includes forecasting and developing a traffic demand model based on the Chennai City CTTS Model 2010 and conducting traffic surveys, workplace, household and transport surveys, among other things. It will also assess the corridor-wise passenger demand estimate and identification of alternative mass transit networks.