Chennai Metro trains to run through 12-storey building in three locations

January 4, 2024: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has conceptualised a unique feature under its phase 2 project, similar to China’s train-through apartment concept. To boost transit-oriented development, a 12-storey building in Thirumangalam will be developed with trains passing through it, according to media reports. The other locations where the properties will be developed along with metro stations are Koyambedu and Thirumayilai, where the station’s entry and exit will be in a 12-storey building.

A TOI report cited a CMRL official stating that the agency has come up with a transit-oriented development plan where they are developing properties around metro stations to integrate buildings and public transit, bringing people and activities together. The cost of constructing the stations in the three locations is included in the phase-2 metro project. For property development, the CMRL will request funds from the state government.

At Thirumangalam, a 450-metre plot near Thirumangalam flyover, which earlier had three houses, has been acquired by the metro rail for the phase-2 metro station. As stated in the media report, the metro rail had the option to construct an integrated corridor with a metro station above a flyover at Thirumangalam. However, they might have to dismantle the existing flyover, which may cause traffic chaos, it said. They will appoint an agency that will study how the property can be rented.

At Koyambedu, vacant plots will be developed around the phase-2 elevated station to be built above the phase-1 station. Provision for a third line to Avadi will be made and a common concourse linking all three corridors will be built. At Thirumayilai, at least one of the five entry/exit structures will be in a new multi-storey building.

Under Chennai Metro’s phase-1 extension, CMRL has planned a 20-storey building above Wimco Nagar depot cum station and a four-level car park. Such facilities exist in many locations.