Snapshot: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to revolutionize the public transport system for residents and commuters on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) by introducing metro services. The planned route spans from Nehru Nagar in Perungudi to Siruseri, covering a distance of 20 km as part of the Phase II project under Corridor 3. The entire Phase II expansion comprises three corridors, namely Corridor-3 from Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.8 km), Corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass (26.1 km), and Corridor-5 from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (47 km).

Commuters will have access to a multitude of stations along the way, including Nehru Nagar, Kandhanchavadi, Perungudi, Thoraipakkam, Mettukuppam, PTC Colony, Okkiyampet, Karapakkam, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, Sholinganallur Lake I Metro, Sholinganallur Lake II Metro, Semmancheri I Metro, Semmencheri II Metro, Gandhi Nagar, Navalur, Siruseri, Siruseri SIPCOT I Metro, and Siruseri SIPCOT II Metro.

CMRL officials have confirmed that an underground line will connect Madhavaram to Taramani, while an elevated stretch will lead to the final station at SIPCOT, Siruseri. Constructing elevated sections and stations has proven to be a quicker process compared to underground sections. Two tenders were awarded last year for the stretches from Nehru Nagar to Sholinganallur and Sholinganallur to SIPCOT.

Before the stretch can be opened for commuters, a small depot with 8-10 stabling lines must be constructed to facilitate train maintenance and basic repairs. Construction work is already underway at various locations along OMR and is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The inclusion of the OMR stretch in Phase II aims to address the long commuting hours faced by individuals traveling from this area to different parts of the city. Although it is anticipated to bring significant benefits, commuters may have to wait for approximately four more years before the services are operational.