CUMTA Unveils 25-Year Public Transport Master Plan for Chennai
The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has released an ambitious 25-year public transport master plan aimed at transforming mobility across the Chennai metropolitan region. With lakhs of residents in Chennai and its suburbs relying on public transportation - including suburban trains, city buses, metro rail, and AC electric trains - the new roadmap proposes major upgrades to enhance connectivity and commuter convenience.
CUMTA has also submitted its recommendations to the Tamil Nadu government for approval and implementation.
Key Proposals in the 25-Year Transport Plan
New Infrastructure
- 346 new bus stops across the city
- 30 new bus depots to support expanding bus services
Metro Rail Expansion
New metro routes including:
Tambaram - Adyar
Perungalathur - Madhavaram (via bypass)
Neo Metro Corridors
Introduction of Neo Metro services on the following routes:
Koyambedu - Poonamallee
Pallavaram - Kundrathur
Vandalur - Kelambakkam
Suburban Rail Network Growth
Proposed suburban train routes include:
Ennore - Singaperumal Kovil
Sriperumbudur - Kanchipuram
Modern Tram Services
A heritage-inspired tram service is planned along the Thyagaraya Nagar - Nungambakkam - Nandanam - Light House corridor.
Water Metro Development
A two-phase Water Metro service is proposed connecting:
Chennai Central–Kovalam–Mamallapuram
Air Taxi Network
A futuristic air taxi service operating at speeds of 240 km per hour is planned, with Tirupati as the central hub. Proposed routes include:
Chennai Port - Parandur - Mamallapuram, with extensions toward Tirupati.
Transforming Chennai’s Mobility Future
The comprehensive 25-year plan aims to build a seamless, multimodal transport ecosystem integrating road, rail, water, and air-based mobility. Once implemented, the initiatives are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve last-mile connectivity, and support Chennai’s rapid urban growth.
CUMTA’s visionary blueprint marks a major step toward creating a smarter, faster, and more sustainable transportation network for Chennai.
