Boost to Metro Rail: The plan proposes to expand the Chennai Metro Rail network, which now spans 54 kilometres. New corridors are planned to increase connectivity.
| Photo Credit: M. SRINATH
The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) recently released its Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). According to the CUMTA’s study, transport problems, especially road congestion, severely impacts two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.
Two-wheelers, the most common mode of transport in Chennai, face the brunt of traffic delays, with average journey speeds dropping to 17.1 km an hour during peak hours, the study has concluded. Pedestrians, who account for 33% of road fatalities, suffer from inadequate footpaths and unsafe conditions for walking, a document accessed by The Hindu has revealed.
According to the study, the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), spanning 5,004 square kilometres, is home to 145.15 lakh people, with a population density of 12,600 persons per square kilometre. By 2046, this figure is projected to grow to 156 lakh, increasing pressure on the strained transport network.
Footpath conundrum
Currently, only 16.3% of the roads have footpaths, and just 13.5% of these footpaths are wider than 1.5 metres. Encroachments further reduce the usable footpaths, leaving pedestrians vulnerable, according to the study.
Expanding Metro Rail network
The CMP proposes expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail network, which now spans 54 kilometres. New corridors and extensions are planned to increase connectivity across the city.
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s mode share (percentage of people choosing to travel in this mode of transport among all trips made), at 1.5% in the old CMA, is expected to rise with these expansions. Key routes, such as Washermanpet to Airport and Chennai Central Station to St. Thomas Mount, will be extended to serve more areas.
Upgrading suburban rail services
The suburban rail network, which covers 239 kilometres, will also undergo major upgrades, according to the study. The plan includes new routes and improved frequency to better connect key areas such as Tambaram, Chengalpattu Junction, and Gummidipoondi.
Strengthening MTC services
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus network in Chennai, which operates on routes running to 2,421 kilometres, will be expanded and integrated with other public transport systems. The plan includes adding more buses and improving route efficiency to complement the Metro Rail and suburban rail services.
Improving IPT
The CMP also underscores the need for better Intermediate Public Transport (IPT), such as shared autorickshaws and cabs, to provide first-mile and last-mile connectivity. Currently, IPT accounts for 7.4% of the mode share, but is limited to 200 authorised vehicles operating on 16 routes. The plan proposes to expand the IPT services to fill the gaps in the public transport network.
Enhancing NMT infrastructure
To improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, the CMP wants to create wider footpaths and dedicated cycle tracks. Currently, only 16.3% of the roads have footpaths, and just 13.5% of them are wider than 1.5 metres. The plan seeks to address encroachments and build quality non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure, especially in high-traffic areas.
Addressing road congestion
The CMP proposes to widen the key corridors like the GST Road-NH 32 and upgrade the roads to improve traffic flow. New loop roads, such as the Arakkonam Loop Road (24 km) and the Chengalpattu Loop Road (16.5 km), will connect new towns to arterial roads, easing traffic congestion in the old CMA.
Optimising freight movement
There are proposals for dedicated freight corridors to reduce congestion caused by trucks and commercial vehicles. Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) and Rail Under Bridges (RUBs) are planned to ease traffic bottlenecks at railway crossings.
Public consultations are under way to finalise the plan.
Published – April 06, 2025 10:34 pm IST