Chennai Metro phase II set to be bigger than Phase I
RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) who have been preparing the project report for the Phase II will be submitting the plan on September
![Metro Rail construction in Chennai [Photo: Reuters]](https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/businesstoday/images/story/201608/chennai_metro_660_080216014851.jpg?size=948:533 "Metro Rail construction in Chennai [Photo: Reuters]")
- Aug 2, 2016,
- Updated Aug 2, 2016 2:57 PM IST
As the phase I of Chennai Metro Rail is all set to operate after 6 years of construction, the phase II with 104 stations spreading over 104.5 km has been submitted to the government for approval.
RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) who have been preparing the project report for the Phase II will be submitting the plan on September, a report in Hindu said.
The second phase was delayed due to traffic permissions and protest from residents.
An official from the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said that the exsisting estimate for the construction is Rs 44,000 crore but if most of the three corridors in the phase II were to be underground the costs may shoot up.
"It may cost about Rs. 150-200 crore per kilometre overground, whereas underground construction may cost as much as Rs. 400-500 crore per kilometre," said the official.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency may be providing funds too, he added.
Meanwhile, officials of CMRL said the second stretch of Chennai Metro Rail, a 9 km stretch, is opening for service in the second week of August between 16th and 20th.
There have been speculations Minister K. Venkaiah Naidu will be participating in the inauguration of this stretch.
Once this stretch is open, commuters can travel from Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus all the way to the Chennai Airport, a 15 km stretch.
As the phase I of Chennai Metro Rail is all set to operate after 6 years of construction, the phase II with 104 stations spreading over 104.5 km has been submitted to the government for approval.
RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) who have been preparing the project report for the Phase II will be submitting the plan on September, a report in Hindu said.
The second phase was delayed due to traffic permissions and protest from residents.
An official from the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said that the exsisting estimate for the construction is Rs 44,000 crore but if most of the three corridors in the phase II were to be underground the costs may shoot up.
"It may cost about Rs. 150-200 crore per kilometre overground, whereas underground construction may cost as much as Rs. 400-500 crore per kilometre," said the official.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency may be providing funds too, he added.
Meanwhile, officials of CMRL said the second stretch of Chennai Metro Rail, a 9 km stretch, is opening for service in the second week of August between 16th and 20th.
There have been speculations Minister K. Venkaiah Naidu will be participating in the inauguration of this stretch.
Once this stretch is open, commuters can travel from Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus all the way to the Chennai Airport, a 15 km stretch.