Chennai metro gets Rs. 3,700cr expansion

In order to ensure the commissioning of the mega project on schedule, finance ministry clears the expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail's phase I from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar and it is likely to be completed by 2019, said sources, adding that the clearance of the extension work involving an investment worth Rs. 3,700-cr has been intimated the state government but the project would be taken up only after the elections to the TN state assembly are over. The State on its part has already called for tenders for the underground section of the project and that once the final approval comes in, full-fledged work may begin. Chennai Metro Rail's phase I extension covers 9 km of North Chennai. The first portion of the corridor from Washermenpet to Korukkupet will be underground and the alignment continues beyond this junction as an elevated stretch up to Wimco Nagar, sources added.