The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has identified a consultant for a detailed study on densification (primarily increasing the built-up space) of the Chennai Metro Rail Corridors.
The study was expected to start in June but was delayed by the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd., which has only now identified a consultant. The study will now be completed in six months, senior officials of CMDA said.
CMDA has signed an MoA with the consultant and the first meeting on densification will be held on September 5.
Buildings within 500 metres on either side of the metro rail corridor will be permitted a higher Floor Space Index (FSI) based on the study.
The decision on the FSI limit will be crucial for optimum use of the metro rail, as buildings surrounding it will be able to accommodate more people, potentially leading to an increased use of the trains.
CMDA had initiated the process after CMRL made a proposal for densification along the metro rail Corridor a few years ago.
As CMDA planners had expressed reservations on account of the absence of any study by CMRL to prove that densification would have a positive impact on metro rail, the study will be crucial for the review of the master plan of the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
CMDA officials will stress the need to address issues pertaining to parking space near the proposed stations as part of the densification.
The study is likely to explain how CMRL station on both sides of the rail influence the areas around it and affect present modes of transport.
The consultant will also carry out a household survey within the ‘influence areas’ and review development regulations in the light of the metro rail network. The proposed monorail stretches will not be covered in the study as of now.
