TN sanctions Rs 2,200 crore for land acquisition on KoyambeduPattabhiram metro corridor

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has authorised preparatory works worth Rs 2,442 crore for a proposed 21.76km metro rail corridor between Koyambedu and Pattabhiram, signalling intent to push ahead even before the Union government clears the project. The sanction covers land acquisition, budgeted at Rs 2,204 crore, along with utility shifting, surveys, tree replanting and traffic management. Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has been permitted to begin mapping and diversion plans in anticipation of central approval. Coming to the tune of Rs 9,928 crore under 2025 estimates, the corridor is intended to reduce congestion along the Outer Ring Road, a key arterial spine. The project has been sent to New Delhi for clearance under an equity-sharing framework, with the state also seeking support from bilateral and multilateral lenders. Officials are positioning the line as a catalyst for development in Chennais north-west. The route will terminate at Pattabhiram, where Chief Minister M K Stalin recently inaugurated a Rs 330 crore Tidel IT ParkTamil Nadus third such facility after Taramani and Coimbatore. The government expects the hub to reshape the regions economic profile, long overshadowed by the IT corridors of the south. The metro link is also aligned with growth in emerging residential and commercial zones across Thirumazhisai, Ambattur, Kundrathur, Tiruvallur, Avadi and Poonamallee. With interchanges at Avadi railway station and Ambattur bus terminus, the line is expected to improve transfers, cut travel time and expand employment corridors. If cleared by the Centre, the extension would add 19 elevated stations to Chennais expanding network. A Detailed Project Report submitted in February emphasises transit-oriented planning to integrate transport and land use strategies.