Tamil Nadu Government Approves Chennai Metro Rail Extension from Poonamallee to Parandur

The Tamil Nadu government has granted in-principle approval for the proposed Chennai Metro Rail extension from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram and eventually to Parandur. This new corridor is an extension of Corridor 4 of Phase II, which currently runs from Light House to Poonamallee.

As part of the first phase, the government has approved the implementation of the 27.9 km stretch from Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram, with an estimated cost of ₹8,779 crore. Once completed, this phase will offer direct connectivity to the upcoming Kuthambakkam bus terminus, improving public transport access in the region. The project has been recommended to the Central government for further approvals, equity funding, and loan assistance.

According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), Phase I will include 14 stations:

Nazarathpet, Chembarambakkam, Kuthambakkam Bus Terminus, Samathuvapuram, Chettipedu, Thandalam, SIPCOT Irungattukottai, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Pattunool Chatram, Irungulam Industrial Area, Mambakkam, Thirumangalam, and Sunguvarchatram.

The complete Poonamallee–Parandur corridor spans 52.94 km, with a total project cost of ₹15,906 crore. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) proposes implementation in two phases:

• Phase I: Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram (27.9 km)
• Phase II: Sunguvarchatram to Parandur

A Government Order from the Department of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives confirms that the DPR will soon be sent to the Centre for approval. Following this, utility shifting and land acquisition for Phase I are expected to begin.

Additionally, CMRL is evaluating the possibility of a semi-high-speed regional rapid transit system (RRTS) for faster and efficient connectivity to Parandur, the proposed site for Chennai’s second airport.