Chennai Metro Phase II: Construction Hurdles on Madhavaram-Taramani Corridor, Launch Expected in 2028

The expansion of Chennai Metro Phase II has been facing delays due to construction setbacks on the Madhavaram-Taramani corridor. The project’s estimated cost is Rs 63,246 crore, and the network length is planned to be 118.9 km with 128 stations. In this article, we will discuss the challenges faced during the construction of the Madhavaram-Taramani stretch and the measures taken by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) to overcome them.

Construction Delays on Madhavaram-Taramani Corridor

The Madhavaram-Taramani stretch is a critical part of the Madhavaram-SIPCOT corridor, passing through various essential locations like Perambur, Chetpet, Nungambakkam, Gemini, Thousand Lights, Royapettah, Mandaiveli, Adyar, and Taramani. However, due to tunnelling work, the construction of stations along the stretch has been facing challenges, leading to delays. As a result, the stretch is not expected to be completed until 2028.

To overcome this setback, CMRL has divided the work of building stations between Madhavaram and Taramani into six tenders to ensure faster execution by contractors. These tenders include Madhavaram to Perambur, Ayanavaram to Kellys, KMC to Royapettah, Radhakrishnan Salai to Adyar, Adyar to Taramani, and Kolathur to Nathamuni.

Challenges During Tender Process

The tender process for choosing contractors for the construction of stations along the designated area has been facing its fair share of challenges. In December 2021, six tenders were floated to build stations along the Madhavaram-Taramani stretch. However, bidders submitted exorbitant quotes, leading to the tender’s cancellation. CMRL had to float new tenders and modify the loan conditions to encourage more firms to bid and offer reasonable quotes.

Measures Taken by CMRL

To ensure timely completion of the project, CMRL has taken measures to streamline the bidding process. The tender process for choosing contractors for the construction of stations along the designated area is almost complete, and officials expect to reveal the chosen personnel before the end of this month. Tunnelling between Madhavaram and Taramani is progressing well, according to CMRL officials.

Conclusion

Despite the delays, the Chennai Metro Phase II project is a significant step towards modernizing public transportation in the city. The Madhavaram-Taramani corridor is an essential part of the project, and CMRL is taking measures to overcome the construction hurdles to ensure timely completion of the stretch. Once completed, the project will benefit commuters by providing a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation across the city.