With phase I of Chennai Metro Rail inching towards completion, the focus is gradually shifting to the 9-km phase I extension that links Washermanpet with Wimco Nagar.
According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials, the contract for the track work has been awarded to Apurvakriti Infrastructure Private Limited.
“The contractor has already begun initial ground work. The track laying will begin in a few weeks,” an official said. Estimated to cost about ₹60 crore, the work would take about a year, he added.
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The ₹3,770-crore extension was planned as early as 2010 when the State government gave its nod for the project but the Centre approved it only two years ago.
Nine stations
The plan is to benefit commuters from northern parts of the city with nine stations at Washermanpet, Korukkupet, Sir Theagaraya College, Tondiarpet, Toll Gate, Thangal, Gowri Ashram, Tiruvottiyur and Wimco Nagar.
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From Washermanpet to Korukkupet the trains will run underground and beyond that it will be an elevated corridor.
Work in progress
The construction of the tunnel between Washermanpet and Korukkupet was completed in April last year. Subsequently, the construction of stations along this stretch has been in progress; also the viaduct for the elevated stretch too has begun.
Officials said the project will be completed by early 2020.
Once it is over, commuters from areas like Tiruvottiyur can easily travel to the city and reach Chennai Central through the Metro and change for buses or suburban or MRTS trains.