Chennai Metro Phase-2, 3 RRTS projects: Tamil Nadu set for major infra push ahead of polls

A Chennai Metro train

The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (CMRL) has initiated a flurry of tenders, which includes kicking off the implementation of Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro, three new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) projects and high-altitude transport systems.

The project documents indicate that these developments may proceed as joint ventures between the central and state governments, CNN-News18 reported.

Out of the three upcoming projects, the most significant one is Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro, which envisions a 119-kilometre expansion of the city’s metro network.

Chennai Metro Phase-2

Currently, Chennai’s metro system operates across a 54.1 km stretch under Phase-1. With the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) expanding from 1,189 sq km to 5,904 sq km and a projected population of over 20 million by 2048, the need for a more comprehensive mass transit system has become urgent.

“Hence, to meet the future traffic demand, planning and expansion of efficient Mass Rapid Transit System is highly imperative. A standalone Metro system of 54 Km operational at present by itself is not sufficient to address the traffic needs of Chennai," says a CMRL document.

The Phase-2 will span 118.9 km and is designed to cover a much larger portion of the city. It will include several corridors, including Madhavaram–Siruseri, Lighthouse–Poonamallee, Madhavaram–Sholinganallur, and Tambaram–Guindy.

Three new RRTS corridors

Bids have been invited for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for three new RRTS corridors: Coimbatore–Salem, Chennai–Villupuram, and Chennai–Vellore.

“Tamil Nadu has seen rapid urbanisation, leading to higher population densities. As more people move to urban areas for employment and better living conditions, the demand for efficient transportation options grows. The RRTS will be the modern, fast, and efficient way to handle the growing transportation needs of these cities and their surrounding regions. Efficient public transportation like RRTS can boost the economy by facilitating easy mobility of labour, goods, and services," the CMRL document read.

One corridor is planned from Coimbatore to Salem via Tiruppur and Erode, linking key industrial hubs. Coimbatore is renowned for its textiles and engineering sector, while Salem is a centre for steel and agriculture. The corridor aims to bridge western and central Tamil Nadu, improving economic integration.

The second corridor will run 170 km from Chennai to Villupuram via Chengalpattu and Tindivanam. The Chennai-Villupuram corridor will provide a direct, efficient link between Chennai and Villupuram, a key town that serves as a gateway to the northern districts. This connectivity is vital for strengthening the economic and social ties between Chennai and other parts of the state, the document says.

Stretching through Poonamallee, Sriperumbudur, Sunguvarchatram, Parandur, and Kanchipuram, the third corridor will strengthen connectivity between Chennai and Vellore—a city known for its educational and healthcare institutions. It will also provide access to the proposed Greenfield airport at Parandur and integrate surrounding areas like Arakkonam, Ranipet, and Kanchipuram.

High-Altitude Transport Systems

CMRL has also sought feasibility studies for High-Altitude Transport Systems in Mamallapuram, Udhagamandalam (Ooty), and Kodaikanal, in line with recent announcements in the Tamil Nadu state budget.

These studies will evaluate options such as ropeways, funicular railways, and aerial tramways, with a focus on improving connectivity and boosting tourism in hilly terrains.