Chennai Metro: Kilambakkam Bus Terminus To Get Direct Metro Connectivity From Airport

In good news for Chennai Metro commuters, the Tamil Nadu government has given in-principle approval for the first-phase extension of the Chennai Metro Rail, stretching from Chennai Airport to the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in Kilambakkam.

TN Seeks Centre's Approval

According to Government Order (G.O. Ms. No. 62) issued on April 17, 2025, the state has forwarded the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Central Government, seeking approval and financial support under a joint funding model, according to a report in DT Next.

The proposal was formally submitted by the Chief Secretary to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This key infrastructure project is designed to enhance connectivity to the city's southern suburbs and alleviate traffic congestion for daily commuters, the report added. The extension will provide a direct metro link between the airport and Kilambakkam,

While awaiting final clearance from the Centre, the state has permitted Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to begin preliminary work, including land acquisition and utility relocation, to accelerate project readiness.

"The DPR submitted earlier to GoTN has been revised based on the direction from GoTN to provide for integrated construction of metro rail and elevated road. As per revised DPR, Metro corridor is proposed at level-2 and elevated road at level-1. This will provide the seamless road & Metro Rail Connectivity to Kilambakkam Bus terminal. Intermediate ramps are proposed near Tambaram for Connectivity to ORR. This elevated road will land directly inside kilambakkam Bus Stand and will have provision for extension to Chengalpattu," an earlier press release from the CMRL said.

The government plans to complete the construction in three years and the cost of the double-decker Metro line is Rs 9335 crore..

In order to reduce delays, the DMK government has allowed the CMRL to start the groundwork which will speed up the work once official approvals are secured.

Project Details

The proposed 15.46-km elevated corridor will run along the GST Road, passing through Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, Perungalathur, and Vandalur, with 13 metro stations along the route. The design includes flyovers, grade separators, and road-over bridges for seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

The elevated metro line will terminate inside the bus terminus, with provisions for a future extension toward Chengalpattu. Additionally, ramps near Tambaram will improve access to the Outer Ring Road.

In other news, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to build an 18-km elevated road from Kilambakkam to Mahindra City along the GST Road, further boosting regional connectivity.