Chennai Metro rolls out a major improvement in Phase II plan

Poonamallee-Power House raised passage to go into operation first.

In a major change in plan, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has chosen to begin procedure on the raised hallway from Poonamallee to Power House (Kodambakkam) in Phase II that will cross through the thickly populated territories of Porur, Alappakkam, Valasaravakkam and Saligramam, which currently need appropriate mass public travel.

This 12-km stretch is probably going to be the first to get operational in the following five years. This is a critical change as the CMRL had before chosen to begin benefits among Madhavaram and Sholinganallur and Madhavaram and CMBT, covering almost 52 km. This was alluded to as the need passageway.

The Poonamallee-Power House stretch is a part of one of the three hallways of the 118.9-km stage II venture — Light House to Poonamallee. Different hallways are Madhavaram to Sholinganallur and Madhavaram to SIPCOT.

This stretch is completely raised, and stations will come up at Power House, Saligramam, Avichi School, Alwarthirunagar, Valasaravakkam, Karambakkam, Alapakkam Junction, Porur Junction, Chennai Bypass Crossing, Ramachandra Hospital, Iyyapanthangal Bus Depot, Kattupakkam, Kumananchavadi, Karayanchavadi, Mullai Thottam, Poonamallee Bus Terminus and Poonamallee Bypass.

As indicated by CMRL authorities, the time of development for the raised stretch is almost three years. Two tenders have been glided, parting the development work — one from Porur to Poonamallee and the other from Porur to Power House — and three bidders have been short-recorded for these two stretches.

“It is far more easier to finish the construction of an elevated stretch, and hence it may be put into operation first. It doesn’t mean the work on the priority corridor will be delayed. We have floated, and are processing tenders for the priority corridor as well,” an official said.

“Since a majority of the priority corridor is underground, it will take a little more time to become operational. We want to finish the construction of the whole project in six years,” the official said.

The agreements for the stretch will be granted right on time one year from now. In spite of the fact that the development from Poonamallee to Power House might be over in three years, time will be required for establishment of the frameworks needed for examination, authorities said.

“…since the detailed design component is ready, it is possible to finish the construction in three years without delay, provided the contractor adheres to deadlines. Also, the CMRL will ensure that the land for construction is handed over and traffic permissions are given on time,” another official said, adding that land acquisition was nearly complete for the stretch.