TN sets aside ₹6,683-cr for metro rail network

The Tamil Nadu Government has allocated ₹6,683 crore for the metro rail projects. The detailed feasibility report for setting up the metro rail for about 44-km in the first phase has already been prepared. The government has proposed five corridors, covering a total distance of 144-km. The first corridor would cover 26km between Ukkadam and Kaniyur, the second 24km between Ukkadam and Bilichi near Karamadai on Mettupalayam Road, the third 42km between Thanneerpandal on Thadagam Road and Karanampettai on Trichy Road, the fourth 44km between Karunya Nagar and Ganeshapuram, and the fifth corridor would cover 8-km between Ukkadam and Vellalore, where the integrated bus terminus would come up. Earlier, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) had selected the engineering and consulting firm, Systra, to conduct a feasibility study for implementing the project in the city. It had in its report suggested four corridors but after that the CMRL had decided to create a fifth corridor, connecting Ukkadam and Vellalore. Industries and trade associations have welcomed the move.