Mon Jun 02 13:21:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Tamil Nadu government has approved the first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail extension project, connecting Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram. This 27.9 km stretch, estimated to cost ₹8,779 crore, is part of the larger Poonamallee-Parandur project. The completed first phase will provide access to the future Kuthambakkam bus terminus. The project has been recommended to the central government for funding. Once approved, construction will begin after utility relocation and land acquisition. Chennai Metro Rail Limited is also exploring a semi-high-speed system to connect Sunguvarchatram to Parandur in the project’s second phase.
**News Article:**
**Chennai Metro Extension Gets Green Light: First Phase Connects Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram**
**CHENNAI, June 2, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government has given the go-ahead for the first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail extension, a crucial project aimed at improving connectivity in the region. This initial phase will connect Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram, covering a distance of 27.9 km and costing an estimated ₹8,779 crore.
The project is an extension of Corridor 4 of the Phase II Project, which runs from Light House to Poonamallee. The 14 stations planned for the Poonamallee-Sunguvarchatram stretch are Nazarathpet, Chembarambakkam, Kuthambakkam Bus Terminus, Samathuvapuram, Chettipedu, Thandalam, SIPCOT Irungattukottai, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Irungulam Industrial Area, Mambakkam, Thirumangalam, and Sunguvarchatram. Once completed, it will provide commuters with direct access to the planned Kuthambakkam bus terminus.
The state government has submitted the project proposal to the central government, seeking funding through equity sharing and loan assistance. Upon approval, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) plans to immediately begin utility relocation and land acquisition along the Poonamallee-Sunguvarchatram route.
“We are expecting orders to shift utilities and start land acquisition soon,” said a source familiar with the project.
The entire Poonamallee-Parandur project, spanning 52.94 km and estimated at ₹15,906 crore, is planned in two phases. CMRL is also assessing the feasibility of a semi-high-speed rail system, similar to a regional rapid transit system (RRTS), for the connection between Sunguvarchatram and Parandur in the second phase, highlighting the commitment to providing efficient and modern transportation solutions for the region.
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