Designs for phase-I extension of Metro Rail to be prepared.

Though the Centre is yet to give approval for phase-I extension of the Chennai Metro Rail, authorities here have decided to commence the preparatory work.

Officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said they will soon finalise a design consultant who will prepare detailed drawings and designs for the architectural and civil work for the stations along this alignment.

'For phase-I, we prepared the designs of the stations after fixing up the contractors; and this took nearly a year, back then. As such, this project is getting delayed. So, we want to save time and start the initial process for the next phase,' an official said.

After the designs are prepared, tenders will be called for and contractors may be fixed. But, this may be done only after the Centre's approval, he said.

'We have identified the roads that have to be widened and the land to be acquired along this stretch, from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar,' he said.

Last November, Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Urban Development, had said approval was given for phase-I extension of the Chennai Metro. But officials here said they had received no official confirmation yet.

Phase-I extension, that is estimated to cost Rs. 3,000 crore, comprises a nine-km stretch from Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar - the alignment runs partly underground from Washermenpet to Korukkupet and then runs as an elevated corridor till Wimco Nagar.

The project had received the State government's approval way back in October 2010 after soil tests were conducted.


THE HINDU