Regarding Approval of DPR of Phase-II of Chennai Metro Rail Projects – Laid

 Dated: 03.12.2019

 Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian (Chennai South):The Metropolitan city of Chennai has been growing rapidly and traffic volumes have increased greatly. To promote and ease public transport of various forms including metro rail and to ensure that the share of public transportation in Chennai city is substantially increased, was accorded topmost priority by our beloved Leader during his golden reign.

A detailed feasibility report for the expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II along 3 corridors — North West to South East; West to East; and an orbital corridor for a length of 118.9 Km at an estimated cost of Rs. 69,180 crore is very important for the people of Chennai particularly my South Chennai Constituency which extendsupto Sholinganallur and beyond. Also, the Integration of the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), with the Chennai Metro Rail is desirable and would enable effective synergies between various modes of public transport and increase share of public transport.

I urge the Government to support the Phase II of the Metro Rail Project of Chennai and to ensure that all necessary clearances are provided expeditiously to fulfil the dream and aspirations of the People of Chennai to provide the much-needed fillip to the public transport system in the Chennai Metropolitan city.

Due to the introduction of the New Metro Rail Policy by the Government of India and updating of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and Alternative Analysis for mode of transport, the final DPR of Phase II Chennai Metro rail Project has been sent to the Government of India for the approval on January 11, 2019. Out of 118.9 km, the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has already approved a loan of Rs. 20,196 crore for implementing the stretch of 52.01 km and an agreement for the first tranche of the JICA loan has also been signed. For the remaining stretch, Rs.18,328 crore has been approved in principle for the loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AllB), New Development Bank (NDB) and World Bank.

Therefore, I urge the Union Government to expedite the approval of the DPR of Phase-Il of Chennai Metro Rail Project.