Lok Sabha Question No. 1696 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-05
Subject: Chennai Metro Rail Project
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Karti P Chidambaram

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1696

TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 05, 2024

## CHENNAI METRO RAIL PROJECT

- NO. 1696.   SHRI KARTI P CHIDAMBARAM:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  current  status  of  the  Chennai  Metro  expansion project  along  with the new phases like Corridor 5 and 6 along with the expected timelines for completion of the same;
- (b) whether the Government is considering the extension of metro services to  other  major  cities  in  Tamil  Nadu  such  as  Trichy,  Coimbatore  and Madurai;
- (c) if so, the timeline fixed for the same; and
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to meet the sustainability and environmental standards by these metro rail projects in Tamil Nadu?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a) Chennai  Metro  Rail  Project  Phase  II,  for  a  total  length  of  118.9  km, comprising three corridors, viz., (i) Corridor 3 -Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.8 km); (ii) Corridor 4 - Light House to Poonnamallee Bypass (26.1 km)., and (iii) Corridor 5 - Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (47.0 km) has been sanctioned by Central Government at the cost of Rs. 63,246 crores.  Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), which is implementing agency for Chennai Metro Phase-2 project has informed current physical progress of project as 38.64%
- and date of completion as December 2027.

- (b) &  (c)  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  has  submitted  Detailed  Project Reports (DPRs) of Coimbatore and Madurai without Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and Alternative Analysis Report (AAR).  As per Metro Rail Policy 2017,  CMP  and  AAR  is  a  mandatory  prerequisite  for  appraisal  of  metro project. No proposal has been received from Government of Tamil Nadu for Trichy metro rail project.
- (d) CMRL, the implementing agency, has informed that the following steps are being undertaken by them to ensure sustainability of metro rail projects and environmental standards in Tamil Nadu's metro rail projects:
- Environmental  Assessments:  Comprehensive  Environmental  Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Management  Plans(EMPs) are developed to mitigate risks and manage air, water, and biodiversity impacts.

· Energy  Efficiency:  Solar  panels,  LED  lighting,  and  energy-efficient systems are integrated, along with green-certified buildings.

- Sustainable Construction: Precast technology and recycled materials reduce waste and the carbon footprint.
- Climate Resilience: Flood-resistant infrastructure, stormwater drainage  systems,  and  elevated  designs  ensure  adaptability  to  extreme weather.
- Noise and Vibration Control: Barriers, dampers, and resilient rail pads are implemented to minimize disturbances, especially in sensitive zones.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Trees are replanted at a 1:12 ratio, focusing on native species, with green buffers created.
- Multimodal  Integration:  Seamless  connections  with  buses,  rail,  and non-motorized transport reduce vehicular emissions.
- Water Management: STPs, water recycling, and rainwater harvesting systems are adopted for efficient water use.
- Solar Panel Regenerative energy: This involves generating renewable energy through the installation of rooftop, ground-mounted, and parking area solar plants across various premises, including Metro Rail depots, elevated and  underground  stations.The  efforts  of  CMRL  has  resulted  in  positive impact not only on reduction of carbon footprints but also realizing tangible financial  savings.  The  continuing  expansion  in  this  field  will  amplify  solar energy generation and achieve energy independence and sustainability.

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