Extension of Metro Rail to North Chennai approved: M Venkaiah Naidu.

Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu today said approval has been accorded for extension of the Metro Rail project upto Thiruvottiyur in North Chennai.

'I have just approved expanding Metro Rail for Chennai upto Thiruvottiyur,' he told reporters .

Mentioning that a request was made by AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa seeking extension of the metro network when he called on her on September 5, he said a decision has been taken and the project extension has been approved.

Jayalalithaa had sought the Centre's nod for extension ofthe Metro project from Washermenpet to Thiruvottiyur, over a distance of about 9 km.

'I am also aware that Thiruvottiyur is a highly congested area in North Chennai where people need public transport andit is important to encourage such public mode of transport consideriNg challenges posed by climate change.'

Referring to challenges in urban development, he said saving energy and water was among them. 'There is a need for a paradigm shift in urban governance and we are taking states on board.'

'We are trying to improve the living standards of the people,' he said and reiterated that by March 2015, the Chennai Metro Rail will be operational.


ET