The Chennai Metro Rail is a rapid transit system under construction in Chennai, India. Phase I consists of two corridors covering 45.1 km, with 55% underground and 45% elevated. The first section is scheduled to open in 2013, and completion is slated for 2015. The metro aims to improve transportation for Chennai's growing population and industry, including its large automobile sector. Future phases could expand the network to over 100 km.

1. Chennai Metro Rail
The Chennai Metro Rail is a rapid transit system in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The Phase I of the project consisting
of two corridors covering a length of 45.1 km is under construction. The elevated section of the project is scheduled to
be operational by 2013 and the entire project is scheduled to be completed by the financial year 2014-2015. About 55%
of the corridors in Phase I is underground and the remaining is elevated.
Chennai is the 4th largest metropolitan city in India. Chennai, often known as the Detroit of Asia, is widely known
for its presence in the automotive industry and has attracted several global automakers to set up their factories in the
city becoming one of the global leaders in the industry. Apart from automobiles, it also has development centres set
up by many software companies which contributed 14% of India's total software exports of 144,214 crore (US$28.77
billion) during 2006–07, making it the second-largest exporter of software in the country, behind Bangalore. Based
on all these industrial and technological advancements, urban population has risen rapidly, requiring need for faster
and safer transportation at all times. The city already has multiple modes of transportation.
After the success of the Delhi metro, a similar system was mooted for the city of Chennai by the Chief Minister of
Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi. Karunanidhi revived the metro rail project to life once again by including it in the 2007-08
State Government's budget, and an amount of 50 crores had been sanctioned for preliminary works. The approval
for the project was finally given by the state cabinet on 7 November 2007 [5] and is to be executed by a Special purpose
vehicle, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Several studies and proposals have been made to identify new lines to augment the two lines under construction.
Line 1: Wimco Nagar — Chennai Aiport [32.1 km]
Line 2: Chennai Central — St Thomas Mount [22 km]

2. Cost:
The project is estimated to cost around 14,600 crore (US$2.91 billion) for the two corridors totaling 45 km.
Stations:
A total of 32 stations have been planned along the two corridors. As many as 19 stations are
underground and 12 are elevated.
Corridor 1:
Underground Stations (12):Sathiyamoorthy Nagar,Tiruvottiyur, Washermanpet, Mannadi, High Court, Chennai
Central, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, LIC, Thousand Lights, Gemini, Teynampet, and Saidapet
Elevated Stations (6): Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, Officer's Training Academy, Meenambakkam and Chennai
International Airport.
Corridor 2:
Underground Stations (9): Chennai Central (Interchange), Egmore, Nehru Park, Kilpauk Medical College,
Pachaiyappa's College, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar Tower and Tirumangalam.
Elevated Stations (8): Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar-KK Nagar, SIDCO, Alandur
(Interchange) and St. Thomas Mount (Parangimalai)
Construction:
The construction started on 10 June 2009 with the piling work for the elevated viaduct
between Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar stretch. Construction is expected to be fully completed by February
2015. The first section to be opened will be on Line 2 between Koyambedu and St. Thomas Mount and this
stretch is likely to be in operation by 2013.
Phase II:
Three lines covering a distance of 63 km have been proposed in Phase II. Detailed project report is to be
prepared in a year.
Line 3 [19 km]
Moolakadai — Madhavaram - Retteri Junction - Villivakkam Railway Station - Periyar Nagar Bus Terminus - Venus -
Perambur - Aynavaram Bus Terminus - Kellys - Purasaiwalkam - KMC Hospital — Egmore - Thousand Lights —
Mylapore — Thiruvanmiyur
Line 4 [22 km]
Moolakadai — Vinayagapuram/Teachers Colony - Surapet - Redhills — Ambattur OT - Maduravoyil Junction -
MMM Hospital - Thirumangalam Junction
Line 5 [22 km]
Mylapore — Luz — Teynampet — T Nagar — Vadapalani — Saligramam - Iyyapanthangal — Poonamallee

5. Distance (km) Metro Fare ( )
0-2 8.00
2-4 10.00
4-6 11.00
6-9 14.00
9 - 12 15.00
12 - 15 17.00
15 - 18 18.00
18 - 21 19.00
21 - 24 20.00
24 - 27 22.00
>27 23.00
Trivia:
The Chennai Metro Rail project is estimated to result in the loss of 17,000 trees.