After being suspended for several months, the construction work on a section of the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) for Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project is finally set to resume. This comes as a significant development in the Rs 618.43 billion project, which includes three corridors – Madhavaram to SIPCOT corridor 3, Light House to Poonamallee corridor 4, and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur corridor 5.
Delays and Disruption Along the OMR: The construction of corridor 3, which covers the northern parts of Chennai and extends through a substantial portion of the OMR from Taramani to SIPCOT, had faced several disruptions causing delays. The work on this stretch had commenced previously, but was halted due to the termination of the contract of one of the subcontractors for various reasons.
Resumption of Work and Future Plans: Officials of Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) confirmed that a new subcontractor has been engaged to carry out the construction work along the OMR stretch. They showed optimism by mentioning a small ceremony that was held before the commencement of the piling work by the new subcontractor. They also revealed that additional equipment, including piling rigs, are expected to arrive in the coming days.
Progress and Expected Timeline While some progress has been made in piling work on a major part of the stretch, there has been very little progress near SIPCOT. However, the CMRL officials assured us that the subcontractor will simultaneously focus on two areas, resuming pile cap work in the already initiated section and beginning piling work towards SIPCOT. The disruptions and delays associated with the construction on this stretch had caused a setback of approximately 3-4 months. Nevertheless, the officials are hopeful that the new subcontractor will be able to make up for some of the lost time. However, they did acknowledge that some delays are still expected, although they are working tirelessly to minimize them.
Benefits of Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II Project: Chennai’s Phase II project is a much-awaited expansion of its metro rail network. Once completed, the project will provide convenient and seamless connectivity to key areas of the city. It will not only benefit regular commuters but also have a positive impact on reducing road congestion and air pollution. The three corridors of Phase II are strategically planned to connect densely populated areas, commercial hubs, and IT parks. The Madhavaram to SIPCOT corridor (corridor 3) will significantly improve transportation options along the OMR, catering to the needs of residents and IT professionals. Meanwhile, the Light House to Poonamallee (corridor 4) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5) corridors will further enhance accessibility to important destinations within Chennai.
Future Prospects for Chennai’s Public Transportation: The resumption of construction work on the OMR stretch indicates a significant step towards the completion of Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project. As the project progresses, public transportation facilities in Chennai will witness a major overhaul, becoming more efficient and sustainable. The increased connectivity will not only make commuting easier for residents but also attract investments and spur economic growth in the city. Overall, the resuming work on the OMR stretch is undoubtedly a positive development for Chennai’s infrastructure. With renewed efforts and diligent execution, the Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II project will soon facilitate faster and more convenient travel, outlining a brighter future for the city’s public transportation system.
