Chennai Metro's Rail Phase II fast-tracked for JICA assistance: TN Governor

K Rosaiah also said that the Centre had agreed to speed up approvals for the extension of these services in the city

The preparatory works for Phase-II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project has been fast-tracked for assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project is expected to strengthen the Metro Rail network in Chennai, according to Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah.

Delivering the inaugural address for the year 2016 in the Fourteenth Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, the Governor said, “The preparatory works for Phase-II of the 

Chennai Metro Rail Project covering a total length of 88 kilometres along three corridors at an approximate cost of Rs 44,000 crore is being fast-tracked for JICA assistance."

He added that the Government of India has agreed to speed up the approval for the extension of Chennai Metro Rail from Washermenpet to Tiruvottriyur / Wimco Nagar.

The first stretch of the Phase I was launched in 2015. The passenger services on the elevated section from Koyambedu to Alandur, for a stretch of 10.15 kilometres, of the Chennai Metro Rail Project was inaugurated by Chief Minister on June 29, 2015 and the passenger services on the remaining elevated and underground sections will commence shortly, said Rosiah.

It may be noted that the Phase I of the project, initiated in 2007, for a 45-kilometer, has been under construction through these years. The estimated cost for the Phase I has gone up from Rs 14,600 crore to Rs 20,000 crore according to estimates last year. The Phase II also had an initial estimation of around Rs 36,000 crore according to earlier reports, which has now been reported as Rs 44,000 crore.