Chennai MetroRail Resumes Construction On OMR Stretch, Aiming for Timely Completion

Chennai MetroRail (CMRL) is gearing up to recommence construction work on the Sholinganallur to Siruseri stretch along a part of Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), following months of disruption. The revival of this phase II project, spanning 116 km across the city, including the vital IT Expressway in corridor 3, marks a significant step towards enhancing urban connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in the region.

The initial announcement of the phase II project, particularly the segments covering the OMR, elicited widespread anticipation among commuters grappling with chronic traffic congestion. 

However, despite awarding the contract to RVNL in April 2023 for the construction of nine stations along the 10-kilometre stretch from Sholinganallur to SIPCOT, progress was impeded due to unforeseen challenges.

According to CMRL officials, while the contractor initiated work last year, the appointed agency or subcontractor failed to execute the assigned tasks satisfactorily. Consequently, Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) terminated the contract with the agency and identified a new company to undertake the pending construction work. "The construction will commence shortly, and we are optimistic about completing this stretch within the stipulated time frame," affirmed an official, as reported by regional media.

The recent announcement by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu regarding the allocation of Rs 12,000 crore for the second phase of the Chennai Metro rail project in the state budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 underscores the government's commitment to advancing crucial infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public transit.

Expressing disappointment over the sluggish pace of construction, commuters have voiced their concerns on various social media platforms, urging CMRL to expedite the project. Issues such as lack of progress, dimly lit stretches, and the need for a metro depot within SIPCOT have been highlighted by concerned citizens.

The Sholinganallur to Siruseri line forms part of the extensive phase II project, commencing from Madhavaram and traversing key areas such as Adyar, Perungudi, Thiruvanmiyur, and Thoraipakkam before culminating at SIPCOT, covering a distance of 45.4 kilometres. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance connectivity and ease commuting woes across various neighbourhoods in Chennai.

As Chennai MetroRail recommences construction on the pivotal OMR stretch, hopes are high for the timely completion of this phase II project, which promises to revolutionise urban mobility and contribute to the city's sustainable development agenda. With continued government support and public engagement, the vision of a modern, efficient metro network for Chennai inches closer to reality.