Chennai Metro: Tamil Nadu Govt Approves New Corridor From Koyambedu To Pattabiram

The Tamil Nadu government has granted in-principle approval for a new Chennai Metro Rail corridor connecting Koyambedu to Pattabiram via the Outer Ring Road. Spanning 21.76 km, the proposed corridor will feature 19 stations-including Ambattur Estate, Dunlop, OT, Thirumullaivoyal, Avadi, Hindu College, and Pattabiram-and three flyovers to improve traffic integration. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹9,928.33 crore at 2025 price levels, The Times of India reported.

The project, detailed in a government order from the State Special Initiatives Department, is based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The DPR extends the previously planned Koyambedu-Avadi link up to Pattabiram, covering key hubs such as the Outer Ring Road and the ELCOT facility in Pattabiram.

The state has recommended the project to the Union government for final approval and financial support, which is expected to come through a mix of central equity funding and external loans from bilateral or multilateral agencies.

Of the total cost, ₹464 crore is earmarked for highway infrastructure, including the construction of the three flyovers. Initially, the government had authorized a feasibility study and DPR preparation for a Koyambedu-Avadi corridor. Based on the findings, the scope was expanded to enhance regional connectivity in Chennai's rapidly developing western suburbs.

Metro Ridership Sees Slight Dip in April

In a related development, CMRL reported a total ridership of 87.59 lakh in April 2025, a decrease from 92.10 lakh in March. January recorded 86.99 lakh passengers, while February saw 86.65 lakh.

April 30 registered the highest daily ridership of the month, with 3.49 lakh passengers.

Ticketing data revealed that 42.30 lakh commuters used the NCMC Singara Chennai Card, followed by 19.12 lakh using paper QR tickets. Other modes of ticketing included Metro Travel Cards (6.15 lakh), WhatsApp (5.8 lakh), PayTM (4.09 lakh), PhonePe (3.29 lakh), Static QR (2.65 lakh), ONDC (2.64 lakh), and Online QR services (1.45 lakh). Additionally, 1,447 passengers used tokens, and 128 opted for group ticketing.

CMRL continues to offer a 20% discount on all ticketing methods, including Metro Travel Cards, mobile QR tickets (single, return, group, and trip passes), WhatsApp, PayTM, and PhonePe, as part of its effort to boost ridership and convenience.