The government on December 3, 2023, signed $350-million loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to build new lines and improve connectivity for the Chennai Metro rail network. This tranche is part of the $780-million multi-tranche financing facility for the project approved by ADB on December 8, 2022, to develop three new metro lines in Chennai.
Under the agreement, metro connectivity of Chennai’s central areas to major destinations in south and west of the city will be expanded through development of three new metro lines — 3, 4, and 5.
For Line-3, the project will construct 10.1 km of an elevated section between Sholinganallur to State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu-2, including 9 metro stations and system components.
For Line-4, the project will help construct 10-km of the underground section between Lighthouse and Meenakshi College including 9 stations.
For Line-5, it will finance 31 km of system components, such as electrical, mechanical, power, and telecommunication infrastructure, between Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus to Okkiyam Thoraipakkam.
Plans to integrate the metro system with existing bus and feeder services will also be implemented.
“The stations will incorporate disaster-and climate-resilient features and will be responsive to the needs of the elderly, women, children, differently abled, and transgender people,” an official statement said. Multimodal interchanges and facilities will be established along the metro rail corridors to improve commuters’ experience such as drop-off and pick-up areas, sheltered waiting areas, bicycle facilities, and passenger information, it added.
An additional $1 million ADB technical assistance grant will help Chennai Metro Rail Limited with the planning and management of the metro system’s multimodal integration.
“Beside expanding the metro network in Chennai, ADB’s support will facilitate better integration between inclusive urban renewal measures and urban mobility improvements through transit-oriented development (TOD),” said Nilaya Mitash, officer-in-charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission.
“Such integration will improve access to jobs and socioeconomic services, curb urban sprawling, and reduce dependency on motorized vehicles that will make the city more livable,” he added.
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