Poonamallee- Parandur Metro Rail Project Likely to Be Cancelled After Airport Plan Abandoned

The proposed metro rail project connecting Poonamallee and Parandur is set to be cancelled following the abandonment of the proposed Parandur airport project, according to reports. The metro corridor had been planned primarily with the future transportation requirements of the new airport in mind.

The Tamil Nadu government had proposed extending metro rail connectivity from Poonamallee to Parandur through Sriperumbudur, covering a total distance of 52.94 km. The project was estimated to cost around ₹15,906 crore.

First Phase Planned Up to Sunguvarchatram

As part of the first phase, authorities had decided to develop a 27.9-km metro rail stretch between Poonamallee and Sunguvarchatram. The estimated cost of this section was approximately ₹8,779 crore.

The proposed corridor was expected to improve public transport connectivity to several important industrial and employment hubs in West Chennai and Kancheepuram district. Besides serving future airport passengers, the metro line was seen as an important infrastructure project for the rapidly developing areas along the route.

Parandur Airport Plans Gave the Metro Project Importance

The Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced plans to establish a new airport at Parandur to meet the region`s future aviation requirements. With the proposed airport located in the western part of the Chennai metropolitan region, improved mass transportation connectivity was considered essential.

As a result, the plan to extend metro services from Poonamallee to Parandur gained significance. The proposed connection through Sriperumbudur was expected to provide a direct and convenient public transport option for passengers travelling to and from the future airport.

Second Phase Was Planned

The metro expansion was also planned in stages. After completing the Poonamallee–Sunguvarchatram section in the first phase, there were plans to extend the metro service further from Sunguvarchatram to Parandur as the second phase.

However, with the proposed Parandur airport project now abandoned, reports indicate that the Poonamallee–Parandur metro rail plan is also likely to be cancelled.

The development could alter earlier transportation plans for West Chennai and Kancheepuram district, particularly those based on the expected passenger movement associated with the proposed Parandur airport.