The Tamil Nadu government has given the green nod to the long-awaited Chennai Metro Rail project connecting the airport to Kilambakkam, and has forwarded the detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre for approval and funding.

With an estimated cost of Rs 9,335 crore, this elevated corridor is expected to ease daily commutes for thousands living in the southern suburbs of the city including Chromepet, Pallavaram, Tambaram, and Perungalathur. This project has gained renewed urgency since the opening of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam in December 2023, a facility now serving a high volume of passengers.

The new metro corridor will stretch for 15.46 km along GST Road with planned stations at Pallavaram, Chromepet, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Anna Zoological Park, and Kilambakkam. The Corridor will be entirely elevated, with the Metro running at the second level and the existing elevated road at the first.

According to officials, the land acquisition process requires an additional notification, expected within six months, after which the acquisition may take up to 18 months. Utility shifting, however, is expected to begin within a few months. Despite several delays caused by design changes, the final alignment has now been fixed.

The government has recommended the DPR for Centre’s funding under an equity sharing basis. With the Centre’s timely approval, construction could begin, promising a major boost to mobility and urban infrastructure in Chennai’s expanding southern corridor.