Design Consultants chosen for Chennai Metro Phase-I Extension

Design Consultants chosen for Chennai Metro Phase-I Extensionfrom Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar.

Chennai: Chennai Metro Rail has decided on the design consultants for Phase I extension from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar.

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the consultants will prepare the detailed drawings and design for architectural and civil work of nine stations along this stretch.

“Though we haven’t got the approval from the Centre for this project, we have received special permission from the State to go ahead with awarding the contract to the consultant and starting the work,” an official said.

Officials noted that the roads that should be widened have been identified. A clear picture about the acquisition of lands has emerged too.

But the processes of road-widening and land acquisition can begin only after the Centre gives the nod for this project. “We are not sure when we will get the approval for this extension. The sooner we get it, the better,” the official added.

In November, the Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu said he had already given approval for this project.

It is to be noted that the State government had given the nod for this extension after the soil tests were completed in October 2010.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai in early August, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had demanded the intervention of the Centre for the approval of this project at the earliest.

This project which, is estimated to cost Rs. 3,000 crore, will run partly elevated and partly underground.

The alignment will run as an underground network from Washermanpet to Korukkupet and continue further as an elevated corridor.