The approval for the phase I extension of Chennai Metro Rail from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar may come by January, 2016.
A few queries were raised and a review meeting was held recently for this project, officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said. “Various aspects of the project were discussed. We expect the approval by January,” an official said.
Though the Centre is yet to give its nod, CMRL officials have begun work to finalise a design consultant who will create the detailed designs and drawings for the civil and architectural work for the stations from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar. Soon after this process, tenders may be called for awarding the contracts provided the sanction comes in by then. Officials are going ahead with looking for consultants because they want to at least start some of the procedures because of the delay in getting the project approval.
Also, the officials have identified the areas for land acquisition and roads that have to be widened before the work begins. The phase I extension project that costs about Rs. 3,000 crore has been planned as a nine-km stretch that runs underground from Washermanpet to Korukkupet and then continues as an elevated corridor till Wimco Nagar. This project was mooted several years ago and received the State government’s approval in 2010 after the soil tests were completed.
But, the Centre hasn’t given its nod yet. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said in November last year, while meeting presspersons in Chennai, that he had accorded sanction for the project but officials said it has not happened.
